Netanyahu Warns of Election-Eve Attacks by 'Enemies'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning Tuesday, suggesting that "enemies" may attempt to attack Israel in the lead-up to upcoming elections. Speaking from the Tel Nof Air Force base, Netanyahu stated, "There are signs that ahead of the elections our enemies will try to attack us." He delivered a message of deterrence, asserting, "From here, from the Air Force base, from the long arm of the State of Israel, I give you a message: Do not mess with us, not now and not ever. Our long arm will reach you anywhere, anytime."

In response, Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, commented that if Netanyahu's claims are accurate, opposition leader Yair Lapid must be immediately updated to verify the threat is real and not a political maneuver intended to influence the election. Eisenkot emphasized the absolute prohibition of conflating Israel's security with election campaigns, even for appearances.

This warning comes in the context of reports that the United States and Iran are expected to hold another round of indirect talks in the coming days, likely mediated by Qatar. These discussions occur amid mutual suspicion, shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump rejected an Iranian proposal to open the Strait of Hormuz. Tensions have also been heightened by an attempted attack on a British air force base housing American forces, with London suspecting Iran's direct involvement in the thwarted operation.