Itamar ben Gvir faces backlash after dismissing Israel’s attack on Iran as “lame” in a single-word tweet.

A presumed Israeli strike on Iran has sparked controversy, with a one-word tweet from Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir igniting condemnation. The attack, reportedly involving missiles launched at a military base near Isfahan, drew swift reactions from both sides.

Ben Gvir’s tweet, simply translated to “lame” in English, appeared shortly after news of the strike broke. Opposition leader Yair Lapid was quick to denounce Ben Gvir’s comment, calling it damaging to Israel’s security and international standing.

“Never before has a minister in the security cabinet done such heavy damage to the country’s security, its image and its international status,” Lapid stated.

דרדל׳ה!

— איתמר בן גביר (@itamarbengvir) April 19, 2024

Officials from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s inner circle also criticized Ben Gvir, accusing him of compromising national security and branding him as “childish and irrelevant to any discussion.”

The strike, seemingly intended to send a message to Tehran, was downplayed by Iranian officials, who claimed it involved only three intercepted drones and posed no significant threat. Iran’s state media referred to the incident as the work of “infiltrators” rather than an attack by Israel.

Despite tensions between Israel and Iran escalating in recent weeks, with Iran launching its first-ever direct attack on Israel, both sides seem keen to avoid further escalation. President Joe Biden reportedly informed Netanyahu that the US would not support Israeli retaliatory strikes against Iran.

As the situation remains tense, EU Commission head Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of stability in the region, urging all sides to refrain from further action.