US President Trump cannot be pushed by anyone, Israeli opposition leader tells Euronews
Israeli Opposition Leader Asserts Trump Resists External Pressure
Yair Lapid, the Israeli opposition leader, expressed confidence that US President Donald Trump is unwavering in his decisions, dismissing claims that Israel influenced the choice to launch an attack on Iran. During an interview with Euronews, he remarked, “Does Donald Trump strike you as someone who can be pushed around? I don’t think so.” Lapid highlighted Trump’s role as the head of the world’s most powerful military force, praising his resolve and the support Israel feels toward his leadership.
Trump’s Bold Stance on Iran
Trump declared on Friday that the US is “totally destroying” Iran’s government through military, economic, and other means, calling it his “great honour” to lead the effort. Lapid acknowledged this declaration but emphasized that regime change remains a key objective of the conflict. While he admitted airstrikes alone may not topple the Iranian regime, he argued they could foster conditions for the Iranian people to seize control of their future.
“I think last January, when they took to the streets and were killed by the thousands, they felt alone. Now, they don’t feel that way,” Lapid stated.
Lapid also pointed out that Iran’s retaliatory actions have been more focused on civilian targets, contrasting them with the US-Israeli strikes that target military infrastructure. “The US-Israeli operation is targeting strictly military sites,” he said, “while Iran is aiming at civilian areas to maximize casualties.”
Shajareh Tayyebeh Incident
When questioned about the alleged US strike on a girls’ elementary school in Minab on February 28, Lapid called it “a terrible, terrible, horrible tragedy.” He noted that US media reports suggest the attack may have been unintentional, though a definitive conclusion remains pending. “My heart goes out to the parents,” he said, “admitting this is something that should not happen, but does occur in war.”
Lapid stressed that no one intended the tragedy, reiterating that “nobody wants war to be a horrible thing. Even a just war brings loss, especially to civilians.” He extended condolences to the families affected.
Hezbollah’s Involvement in Escalation
Iran-backed Hezbollah has joined the conflict, drawing Lebanon into the broader military confrontation with Israel. Lebanese officials shared with Euronews that Beirut is now entangled in the escalating tensions, reflecting the regional impact of the war.
Lapid noted that Iran’s threat to “avenge” those killed in airstrikes aligns with its longstanding position toward Israel. “This is what they do,” he said, “as the regime has historically targeted Israelis, Americans, and others.” He emphasized that the current conflict’s dynamics are consistent with past patterns, underscoring the complexity of the situation.
