Several leaders from the opposition called on the government on Tuesday to carry the momentum from the achievements in the operation against Iran in order to end the Israel-Hamas War and return the remaining 50 hostages in Hamas captivity.
“Operation Rising Lion in Iran was one of the most glorious operations in the history of warfare. I salute the security forces and also the government,” opposition leader Yair Lapid said in a video statement on Tuesday.
“We have paid a heavy price, including this morning in Beersheba, but the people of Israel remain united around the goal,” he continued.
“Now we must turn the military achievement into a diplomatic one: To demand and receive an agreement that ensures that Iran will never become nuclear and will dismantle its missile program; to bring the hostages home and to end the war in Gaza; to set Israel on a new path,” Lapid said.
National Unity chairman Benny Gantz issued a video statement of his own two hours later.
“Alongside painful loss, bereavement, and sorrow on the civilian front, Operation Rising Lion has brought with it historic strategic achievements,” Gantz said.
Overwhelming appreciation for Trump
“I wish to extend strength to the citizens of Israel who are demonstrating resilience and fortitude, and to express appreciation to the prime minister, to the entire political echelon, and to the defense establishment in all its branches,” he continued.
Gantz added that he also wanted to “thank [US] President [Donald] Trump, who has proven not only that he stands on the right side of history, but that he knows how to make history.”
“The campaign is not over, nor is Iran’s aspiration to destroy Israel,” Gantz went on to say. “Either the world reaches the right agreement with Iran, or we will ensure that it does not renew its project of annihilation.”
“We now have the opportunity to complete a regional strategic transformation since October 7, and that is to bring all of our hostages home through strength, to sign normalization agreements with Saudi Arabia and other Muslim nations, and to promote security arrangements and additional agreements, including with Lebanon and Syria,” Gantz said.
“I am in talks with many leaders in the region and around the world who want this, who understand this is a time for peace and stability. Indeed, this is the moment for a transformation in the Middle East,” he concluded.
Earlier on Tuesday, Democrats chairperson Yair Golan wrote on X/Twitter, “The campaign against Iran has concluded with a clear security achievement, one that would not have been possible were Israel not a democratic, strong, and united country.”
“Now it is necessary to scrutinize the ceasefire agreement: Does it prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, and what sanctions, including a resumption of hostilities, will be triggered if it violates the deal?” he said.
“And this is the moment to complete the mission, which is to bring all the hostages home, to end the war in Gaza, and to block – once and for all – the judicial coup that threatens to make Israel weak, divided, and vulnerable,” Golan wrote.