Netanyahu Warns Hamas May Attack to Influence Israeli Elections

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning on Monday, stating that Hamas might attempt new attacks as Israeli elections approach, aiming to influence their outcome. "Precisely because Hamas is very weakened, it will try to challenge us with the forces it has left as the elections draw near," Netanyahu said at the opening of a cabinet meeting. He asserted that Israel is prepared and will thwart such attempts, vowing to respond with "immense force" if Hamas makes a mistake. On the eve of the third anniversary of the October 7th attacks, Netanyahu paid tribute to fallen soldiers and victims of the Hamas massacre in southern Israel. He stated that approximately 4,000 of the 6,000 assailants who entered Israeli territory on October 7, 2023, have been eliminated over the past three years. "None of them have immunity. We will reach them all, and Hamas's power in Gaza will be eradicated," he declared. Netanyahu also assessed that Israel has "completely reversed the situation," positioning itself as the most powerful country in the Middle East against weakened enemies. He praised the reconstruction of communities near the Gaza Strip, noting that 90% of their residents have returned home, describing this as a "victory of the human spirit over evil." He concluded by addressing Israel's enemies, stating, "Look what we have done to you on seven fronts during the war. Do not provoke us."