Netanyahu Declares Upcoming Election a Battle Between Right and Left

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed supporters at the Likud party's holiday gathering in Tel Aviv, framing the upcoming election as a stark choice between the right and the left. He vehemently criticized opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot, dismissing any notion of a centrist option as a "bluff." Netanyahu asserted that his government represents the true right, contrasting it with what he characterized as attempts by others to appear right-wing for political gain.

Netanyahu dedicated a significant portion of his speech to the ongoing war and Israel's military achievements, claiming that his government had "saved the State of Israel from destruction." He cited the assassinations of Hassan Nasrallah and Yahya Sinwar as examples of his administration's successes, stating that actions taken, including the strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, prevented an existential threat. He also referenced the 2023 "beeper operation" against Hezbollah and Israel's operations in Lebanon and Syria, attributing these actions to his right-wing ideology and commitment to national security.

The Prime Minister outlined future objectives, including the downfall of the Iranian regime and the elimination of Hezbollah and Hamas, emphasizing that the mission must be completed. He launched a strong political attack on Eisenkot, criticizing his past decisions as military chief and cabinet member. Netanyahu warned that a government led by the opposition, potentially including figures like Yair Golan and Avigdor Lieberman, and supported by Arab parties, would dismantle Israel's achievements, lead to a Palestinian state, and result in withdrawals from security zones.

Netanyahu also discussed the importance of statesmanship in international relations, particularly with the United States, stressing the need to rally allies while also knowing when to say no. He criticized Democratic Party leader Yair Golan for his remarks regarding IDF operations and announced plans for legislation, with Justice Minister Yariv Levin, to economically penalize those who defame the IDF internationally. Towards the end of his speech, he urged right-wing voters to avoid casting ballots for parties that might not pass the electoral threshold, warning against votes that could weaken the right-wing bloc.