Election Polls Show Eisenkot Leading Netanyahu; PM Warns of Sanctions, Crypto Economy

A final election poll released by Channel 12 shows Gadi Eisenkot's Yachad party leading with 23 mandates, while Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud gains two mandates to reach 21. Naftali Bennett's Bayit Yehudi party garnered 15 mandates, and the Democrats secured 10. Coalition parties collectively hold 50 mandates, compared to 56 for opposition parties and 14 for Arab parties. In a head-to-head matchup for prime minister, Eisenkot leads Netanyahu 44% to 38%, while Bennett and Netanyahu are tied at 39% each. The Am Israel and Economic Reservists parties, led by Ofer Vinter and Yoaz Hendel respectively, remain below the electoral threshold.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged in an interview that he fears economic sanctions against Israel and has requested a plan for utilizing cryptocurrency and blockchain technology as an alternative. He did not specify how such a plan would operate or claim that restrictions have already been imposed. Netanyahu also warned that U.S. security aid is not guaranteed indefinitely and announced a NIS 400 billion increase to the defense budget for ammunition and weapons production. He dismissed the Bank of Israel governor's concerns about budget expansion, stating, "Without security, you won't have an economy."

Netanyahu's statements drew sharp criticism. Shaul Meridor, former head of the Treasury's budget division and now a candidate with Eisenkot, called Netanyahu "unfit to be prime minister," warning his policies lead to isolation, economic ruin, and a deep crisis, jeopardizing Israel's security and military superiority. MK Oded Forer of Yisrael Beiteinu accused Netanyahu of presenting a vision of economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation, comparing it to Iran's situation.

In security news, two soldiers, Sergeant Major Ron Yonatan Reitman, 23, and Staff Sergeant Yuval Shai Suilam, 20, were killed in a shooting attack near the Yehuda junction. Three other soldiers were wounded. The IDF estimates the force prevented a larger attack. In response, the IDF and Shin Bet launched an operation in the Hebron area to search for terror infrastructure and suspects, expected to last several days. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir visited the scene, vowing to pursue all involved while urging caution due to the sensitive election week.

The Achi party, associated with Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Abirgel who faces sexual offense allegations, announced its withdrawal from the elections following pressure from the Likud and Netanyahu's involvement. Netanyahu reportedly promised Abirgel a deputy minister position and legislative changes to allow his appointment without Knesset tenure. The Likud stated a deputy minister would be appointed from its ranks or Achi, subject to legal provisions.

Separately, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio received a memo detailing advanced Iranian assassination plots against American diplomats and officials. The U.S. is reducing its diplomatic presence in several Middle Eastern countries amid these threats and Houthi attacks. President Donald Trump alluded to potential military action or a deal.

In the "Qatargate" affair, the Mossad's assessment has been transferred to the prosecution and Shin Bet. This development could pave the way for security-related indictments against Jonathan Orrich and Eli Feldstein, who are suspected of promoting Qatari interests during the war while working for Netanyahu. The investigation examines allegations of disseminating pro-Qatari and anti-Egyptian messages to journalists, presented as coming from Israeli diplomatic sources.

The Likud is preparing for potential claims of fraud and irregularities in Arab communities' voting during the upcoming elections. While no evidence of such fraud has been presented, the party is examining issues like voter identification for veiled women and separate voting times for men and women in some Bedouin communities. However, existing election committee regulations address some of these concerns.

The British newspaper The Telegraph reported that Netanyahu instructed diplomats to support Argentina's call for talks on the Falkland Islands' future following British sanctions on settlements, though not endorsing Argentina's sovereignty claims. The Foreign Ministry denied this report, stating no change in policy.

In a domestic incident, Yana Zikova, 43, was fatally stabbed in her Haifa apartment. Her partner was arrested at the scene. Her six-year-old son was a witness to the murder and is under the care of welfare services.