Critics of PM's strategy warn that 'our enemies are looking at this government and smell weakness'

Iran's weekend attack is a sign that Israel's key defensive policy of deterrence has been severely damaged by the actions of Benjamin Netanyahu's government, according to the leader of Israel's opposition, analysts and former Israeli officials.

- Peter Beaumont

"This government and this prime minister have become an existential threat to Israel. They have shattered Israeli deterrence," the opposition leader, Yair Lapid, said yesterday.

Israel's deterrent policy has long been an obsession of the country's political and military circles, and is regarded as a vital pillar of its security. The term refers to military policies - including retaliations to previous attacks and maintaining capabilities - and the deployment of soft and hard power to persuade enemies an attack is not worth it.

"Our enemies are looking at this government and they smell weakness," Lapid said, referencing a well-known Netanyahu quote.

Iran's attack on Israel - which was blocked by Israel's air defences, aided by the US, the UK and other allies - was the first on Israel by a foreign state in more than three decades.

Other signs that deterrence has weakened include the Hamas attack on 7 October, the conflict with Hezbollah on Israel's northern border and attempted drone strikes by Yemen's Houthis.