Netanyahu Surprises Panel on i24NEWS Ahead of Elections

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared on an i24NEWS interview with Sharon Gal a week before the elections, addressing potential Iranian action, criticizing rivals, and revisiting the October 7th failures. Netanyahu stated there are signs that an operation might be initiated in the coming days, warning that any move by Palestinian security mechanisms would be met with a strong response. He also mentioned that a military plan for such a scenario was presented to him about a month prior.

During the interview, Netanyahu was confronted by military correspondent Yossi Yehoshua regarding his policy towards Hamas before the attack and whether he would have acted differently if alerted to early signs. Netanyahu also addressed the possibility of forming a broader government, stating that other parties could join his national government after its formation, provided they adhere to principles including opposition to a Palestinian state. He revealed that he had invited Brigadier General Ofer Vinter to join the Likud party, but Vinter declined.

Despite the interview being framed as potentially challenging for the Prime Minister, with panelists like Gal raising the October 7th issue and Yehoshua questioning his pre-attack policies, the report suggests Netanyahu was given ample space to present his narrative, attack opponents, and reiterate election messages. While difficult questions were asked, the insistence on direct answers was reportedly limited, leading to a discussion on whether Gal followed journalist Raviv Drucker's advice to ask tougher questions.

Netanyahu also accused Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar of not alerting him to the events of October 7th. The interview, which took place on October 20, 2026, was presented as a carefully orchestrated event, with panelists rising to greet the Prime Minister upon his arrival, creating an atmosphere of anticipation.