Netanyahu Warns Enemies Against Attacks Ahead of Elections

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning to Israel's enemies on September 29, stating that "our long arm will reach you anywhere, anytime." Speaking from the Tel Nof airbase, Netanyahu indicated that intelligence suggests adversaries may attempt attacks ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections on October 27. He asserted, "We have signs that before the elections, our enemies will try to attack us." Netanyahu also highlighted recent Israeli military operations, including the elimination of a terrorist involved in the abduction of Noa Argamani and Avinatan Or two days prior, and the killing of a Hamas brigade commander in northern Gaza on the night of September 29. He claimed over 100 terrorists have been neutralized in Gaza in recent weeks, and mentioned Israeli army actions in Lebanon, specifically near the Al-Tahir mountain range.

Netanyahu also addressed significant international pressure on Israel to withdraw and relinquish war gains. "There are huge achievements, but there is huge pressure to retreat, to give up big achievements won by the courage of our fighters," he stated, vowing, "I will not allow this and will not let this happen."

The Prime Minister's warning prompted a political reaction from the National Unity party, led by Gadi Eisenkot. The party demanded that opposition leader Yair Lapid be immediately briefed on the security threat and its details. "If Netanyahu's words about security threats are true, this requires immediate informing of opposition chairman Yair Lapid," the party stated, emphasizing the need to verify the threat is real and not a "political move aimed at harming the election campaign." The party stressed that Israel's security must not be mixed with the election campaign, even in appearance.

Netanyahu did not specify which enemies or what potential threats he was referring to, but his warning comes shortly before the elections and amid ongoing Israeli military activity on multiple fronts.