With just one word

Israeli minister causes a scandal after attack

It is clear that Itamar Ben-Gvir does not think the attack on Iran goes far enough - but he may now have gone too far with one statement.

(Bild: APA/AFP/AHMAD GHARABLI)

While politicians around the world are calling for restraint in the conflict between Israel and Iran, far-right security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir is once again adding fuel to the fire of the debate - with just one word.

Ben-Gvir has not necessarily been known for a fine political blade for some time now, and he often holds extreme views, not least in the debate with the Palestinians. His statements on the annexation of the West Bank or his attitude towards Palestinian activists have often been criticized as racist and inflammatory.

Israel's reaction belittled
Despite all the controversy, he is not holding back in the current conflict - and is causing the Israeli opposition to fume. Shortly after Israel's retaliatory strike in response to the hail of rockets from Iran at the weekend, he wrote on the short messaging service X: "Pathetic." He was referring to his country's reaction, which apparently did not go far enough for him, and in his opinion the response was probably too weak.

Ben-Gvir's opinion is by no means surprising: in the past few days, he had already vehemently called for a tough response to the attack from Iran. While official Israel had not yet claimed responsibility for the three explosions in Isfahan, Iran, at the time of his post, the minister indirectly admitted that it was an Israeli retaliation.

Opposition sees unprecedented damage
In this way, Ben-Gvir has succeeded in "making a mockery of and shaming Israel from Tehran to Washington", reacted opposition leader Yair Lapid on X. Never before had a minister "done so much damage to the country's image and international status", Lapid continued.

It is clear that Itamar Ben-Gvir's attack on Iran does not go far enough - but he may have gone too far with one statement.

(Bild: APA/AFP/AHMAD GHARABLI)

The opposition politician is not alone in his criticism. International politics expert Shaiel Ben-Ephraim did not have a good word for the wording on X either. Ben-Gvir had not only confirmed and "ridiculed" the Israeli operation, but also "undermined Israel's deterrent power. A disgrace for a minister."

Iran plays down reports
According to insiders and US media, Iran was the target of an Israeli attack on Friday night that had been threatened for days, but was apparently limited in scope. According to Iranian state media, three drones were shot down in the center of the country and no damage was caused.

There was no official confirmation of the reports. In Iran, the reports were played down and it was signaled that the country was not planning any retaliatory measures.