Netanyahu Warns Hamas May Disrupt Elections, Downplays Gaza Threat

With one month remaining until the elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed concerns that Hamas might attempt to disrupt the electoral process through a targeted attack. In an interview with "Mekor Rishon," Netanyahu stated that Gaza no longer poses a significant threat to Israel, though he acknowledged that rocket or drone launches are still possible.

"I have no doubt they will want to harm our success, and they can put on some momentary show of this or that attack to disrupt the elections," Netanyahu said, suggesting Hamas could leverage such an event to interfere with the vote.

Addressing criticism regarding Qatari funding to Gaza prior to the war, Netanyahu asserted that security agencies recommended the transfers, which he claimed were for humanitarian needs like sewage and disease prevention, and were monitored. He also revealed that the decision not to inform Washington in advance about the liquidation of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah was to prevent leaks that would have allowed Nasrallah to escape.

Politically, Netanyahu commented on National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, suggesting his actions are aimed at drawing votes from the Likud party, recalling an incident where Ben-Gvir was brought from a hospital to vote in the Knesset. He also clarified that Ofer Winter is not part of the right-wing bloc and reiterated his stance against a plea deal in his own trial, though he remains open to mediation. Netanyahu affirmed that the judicial reform is not abandoned and will be advanced in the next term with the aim of broad consensus.

He also mentioned that he has not spoken with the Attorney General in a long time.