Tel Aviv, March 12: Israel's opposition leader, Yair Lapid, stated on Thursday that Israel is engaged in a "just war" to ensure the safety and security of all its citizens, preventing them from being harmed by terrorist organizations.
Speaking to reporters, Lapid explained that Israel is fighting the war in the north due to the targeting of the area by Hezbollah and Iran using drones and rockets.
He said, "If you want to understand why we are fighting this war here in northern Israel, it's because if there is a siren right now, you should run, otherwise, in 10 seconds, you will be dead because the Hezbollah terrorist organization is bombing this area. Iran is sending drones and rockets to this area, and you won't have enough time to hide. Therefore, we are fighting a just war to ensure that all Israelis are safe and are not being harmed by terrorist organizations or regimes."
This statement comes amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which began after joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, which resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Khamenei and senior military commanders. In response, Iran launched drone and missile attacks targeting US and Israeli capitals and allied forces in West Asia.
Meanwhile, Israel's Ministry of Health has reported that 179 injured people have been taken to hospitals in the past 24 hours due to the conflict with Iran. The victims include both civilians and soldiers. Of those admitted to hospitals, four are in moderate condition, and 157 are in good condition, while 18 people are undergoing treatment for anxiety, as reported by The Times of Israel.
The ministry has not disclosed details about the cause of injuries. However, it is assumed that most of the injured were trying to reach shelters rather than being directly affected by missile fire from Iran or rocket fire from Lebanon.
According to the ministry, 2,745 people have been admitted to hospitals since Israel's war with Iran began on February 28. Of these, 85 people are currently hospitalized. Among those admitted to hospitals, 11 are in serious condition, 10 are in moderate condition, and 64 are in good condition, as reported by The Times of Israel.
Earlier in the day, Israel announced that Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on Israel, the fourth since midnight. According to initial military assessments, the missile was intercepted, and there have been no reported injuries. Sirens were sounded in Jerusalem and parts of the south and West Bank.
