Opposition leader criticizes Israeli decision not to target strategic Iranian sites

By Zein Khalil

JERUSALEM (AA) – Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid on Saturday expressed support for Israel's recent airstrikes on Iran, but criticized the government's decision to refrain from targeting strategic and economic sites in the country, calling it a "wrong decision."

"Israel's enemies learned this morning that the Israeli military is strong, capable of launching powerful attacks, and can reach any location,” Lapid said on X.

But Lapid, leader of the Yesh Atid party, criticized the nature of the Israeli operation, asserting that "the decision not to attack strategic and economic sites in Iran was a mistake."

"We could have, and indeed should have, made Iran pay a heavy price,” he added.

At least two Iranian soldiers were killed Saturday when the Israeli army targeted Iranian military facilities in response to Iran's large-scale Oct. 1 ballistic missile attack on Israel.

The White House said Israel’s strikes must bring to an end direct exchanges of fire between the two sides, warning Tehran of “consequences” should it respond.

Iranian military officials had previously warned that any attack from Israel would be met with a “harsher response.”

* Writing by Ikram Kouachi