Israel and Iran have continued trading blows over the weekend after Israel launched a significant escalation against the Iranian regime early Friday morning Australian time.

2GB Afternoons host Michael McLaren says Israel’s escalation shouldn’t come as a surprise, with claims Iran had reportedly been close to weaponising their nuclear program.

“No doubt Israel is leaning into that old sports analogy, namely offence is the best form of defence,” he said.

McLaren also noted Israel had the right to defend itself, and a weakened Iran was the key to stability in the Middle East.

“Israel has actually done the entire Western hemisphere a favour,” he added.

Listen to more highlights from Afternoons with Michael McLaren below:

Image: Majid Saeedi/Getty Images.