Netanyahu Links Election Outcome to Iran Action, Cites 'Total' Impact

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a special interview with C14 that the upcoming election results will have a "total" impact on Israel's ability to act against Iran's nuclear program. He suggested that if Gadi Eisenkot and his partners form the next government, they would not take action against Iran, referencing Eisenkot's past remarks about preparing for a nuclear Iran. Netanyahu asserted that living with a nuclear Iran is unacceptable and that the only solution is to topple the Iranian regime, stating, "We need to destroy this once and for all, and that is only by toppling the regime."

Addressing the war in Gaza, Netanyahu rejected claims that the campaign is stalled, arguing that Hamas and other enemies of Israel are seeking minor gains to influence the elections and cause his defeat. He believes all of Israel's enemies want him to lose, as his victory would mean completing the mission. Netanyahu outlined the remaining objectives as "100%," which include toppling the Iranian regime, eliminating Hamas, and dismantling Hezbollah, stating this would not take years.

Regarding security in Judea and Samaria, Netanyahu revealed he had requested a plan from the IDF to counter threats like "barrel inversion" but declined to detail its contents or Israel's potential proactive measures. He also drew parallels between the current public atmosphere and the period leading up to the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, noting that while he disagreed with Rabin, he never called him a traitor. Netanyahu claimed his current political rivals have lost all restraint, accusing them of calling him a "traitor" and inciting calls for his murder and that of his family, which he finds dangerous for Israel.

In the latter part of the interview, Netanyahu urged right-wing voters not to support small parties, including those led by Ofer Winter, Yaron Zelicha, Moti Leitner, Rabbi Aberjil, Rabbi Berger, and the Noam party. He warned that votes for these parties could be wasted if they don't pass the electoral threshold or could be transferred to the left, potentially preventing a right-wing government from being formed. Netanyahu emphasized that the Likud party is the "central backbone" of the right and accused Winter of intending to join forces with Avigdor Lieberman to shift votes to the left.