Former Israeli PM Lapid Defends Joint Strikes on Iran, Warns of Nuclear War
Former Israeli Prime Minister and current opposition leader Yair Lapid has expressed no regret over Israel's coordinated military strikes with the United States against Iran. In an exclusive interview with 7NEWS, Lapid asserted that military action was the only viable option to dismantle a regime he claims is determined to annihilate Israel. He emphasized that without last month's pre-emptive strikes, Iran would have initiated a nuclear conflict, drawing a stark comparison to the Bondi Beach terror attack in December to illustrate the urgency of preventive measures.
Lapid's Justification and Public Support in Israel
Lapid posed a rhetorical question to Australian audiences, asking, "Think of Australia before Bondi Beach. If you had an opportunity to stop the father and son, would you do it? Yes." He further highlighted the global repercussions, questioning, "Can you imagine what a nuclear war would do to energy prices, the stock market? The standard of living of the people of Australia?" This perspective resonates strongly within Israel, where a recent poll indicates that 93 percent of the population supports the ongoing war efforts.
Military Mobilization and Regional Escalation
Concurrently, Israel's 91st Galilee Division has begun mobilizing in southern Lebanon, and the Israeli government has called up 450,000 reservists for what is anticipated to be a significant military operation. In Lebanon, the death toll has climbed to 850, with reports suggesting that peace talks may commence in the coming days. However, for one grieving family who lost all four daughters, the eldest merely 13 years old, any resolution arrives too late.
International Dynamics and Strategic Tensions
US officials have indicated that the conflict could conclude within weeks, even as a new war of words intensifies over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has released a public relations video demonstrating its aggressive capabilities, while US President Donald Trump has been applying pressure, particularly on NATO countries, to join a naval coalition in the region. With Australian air force planes already deployed nearby, speculation is growing regarding whether naval vessels and personnel will be dispatched to support the coalition.
Mysteries and Misinformation Amidst Conflict
Adding to the complexity of the situation, the whereabouts of Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, remain unclear. Kuwaiti media reports suggest he is in Russia, having been transported by a "Russian military plane" for "successful surgery" due to the impossibility of treatment in Iran during the attacks. Meanwhile, viral rumors falsely claimed the death of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, prompting him to post a 'proof of life' message showing him buying coffee with all fingers intact, countering an AI-generated video that depicted him with six fingers.
Ongoing Attacks and Immediate Impacts
Iranian missiles continue to breach Israeli airspace, with a cluster bomb striking Tel Aviv on Monday. Although no fatalities resulted from this attack, it occurred in such proximity to where journalists were stationed that they arrived at the scene before emergency services. As the conflict persists, every new missile launch from Iran is met with a swift and devastating response from the United States, underscoring the volatile and escalating nature of the regional confrontation.
