Iranian strikes surprise Israel and raise concern of strategic setback
The escalation between Iran and Israel has sparked mixed reactions from politicians and journalists across Israel.
Some have criticised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's policies while advocating for further military action against Iran, whereas others condemn the renewed hostilities, warning of potential consequences.
Sunday night’s Iranian attack caught many in Israel by surprise. Channel 13 News military correspondent Alon Ben David reported that Israel estimated the Iranians “would not dare fire" toward Israel following the Israeli-US war on Iran.
This escalation follows an Israeli military strike earlier on Sunday against a building in southern Beirut, which Iran condemned as a breach of the ceasefire agreement. The attack, described by Ben David as "barely symbolic," left two Lebanese citizens dead.
While media coverage extensively discussed the Iranian attacks and Israel’s response, significant focus was on US President Donald Trump’s comments urging Netanyahu not to attack Iran. Some Israeli commentators criticised Netanyahu for allegedly ceding national security decisions to foreign leaders.
: Iranian strikes surprise Israel and raise concern of strategic setback
Hospital staff move a baby in an incubator to an underground facility for safety in Tel Aviv on 8 June 2026, after sirens sounded following Iranian attacks (Ilia Yefimovich/AFP)