Netanyahu Vows Action Against Palestinian Authority, Iran, and Discusses Election Strategy

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a recent interview that he intends to "remove the threat" posed by the Palestinian Authority using unspecified methods, emphasizing an element of surprise. This declaration followed a deadly attack near Hebron where two Israeli soldiers, First Sergeant Ron Yonatan Reitman and Sergeant Yoel Shai Suwilim, were killed. Netanyahu criticized the Palestinian Authority and his political opponents, asserting that he prevented the establishment of a Palestinian state during his tenure and that preventing one remains a central goal for the upcoming elections. He vowed to "work to remove the threat with means I prefer not to detail now" and warned of "great surprise" awaiting the Palestinian Authority.

Netanyahu also announced plans to expand military operations in Hebron, including entering the neighborhood from which the attackers emerged, evacuating residents, conducting house-to-house searches for weapons, and dismantling "all terrorist infrastructure." He further indicated that a large-scale operation is planned to address remaining armed groups in the West Bank, which he claimed would be unprecedented since the Six-Day War.

Addressing the Iranian threat, Netanyahu declared that Israel has a plan to "put an end to the threat" of Iran's nuclear program and vowed to "bring down this regime." He criticized Gadi Eisenkot for suggesting coexistence with a nuclear Iran, stating firmly, "We cannot live with a nuclear Iran."

Looking ahead to the elections, Netanyahu discussed his party's prospects and urged voters to support the Likud, calling it the "backbone of the right." He revealed he had offered Brigadier General Ofer Winter a senior position in the Likud, which Winter reportedly declined. Netanyahu cautioned that voting for smaller parties like Winter's could harm the right-wing bloc, suggesting the left might encourage such votes to split the right. He also commented on Minister Tzachi Hanegbi's endorsement of Avigdor Lieberman, stating it reflected Hanegbi's own position and not his, and mentioned Hanegbi was affected by his replacement.

Netanyahu described the current political race as extremely close, estimating a 60-60 split in Knesset seats. He concluded by highlighting Israel's enhanced global standing since the war, attributing it partly to his relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump, whom he described as the most pro-Jewish and pro-Zionist president. He asserted that this partnership enables efforts to "save Israel" and that Israel has "changed the face of the Middle East."