Netanyahu Warns of 'Existential Threat' from Iran, Election Interference
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of an existential threat from Iran and potential election interference. He cited security incidents and internal disruptions as possible attempts to influence the vote. Netanyahu also expressed readiness to cooperate with U.S. President Donald Trump to eliminate the Iranian threat. He further cautioned right-wing voters and addressed economic achievements and future prospects.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu warned of an existential threat to Israel from Iran.
- Netanyahu expressed concern over potential Iranian interference in upcoming elections.
- He stated readiness to work with President Trump to eliminate the Iranian threat.
- Netanyahu cautioned right-wing voters against supporting parties that may not pass the threshold.
- He highlighted Israel's economic strengths and technological advancements in his remarks.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning, stating that "the State of Israel is in existential danger" due to Iran and potential internal disruptions to the upcoming elections. In an interview with Arel Segall on 103FM, Netanyahu expressed concern that Iran and its proxies might attempt to influence the elections through security incidents, aiming to cause his defeat. He cited a recent foiled attack near Hebron, where two soldiers were killed, as an example of such attempts.
Netanyahu also voiced apprehension about internal efforts to undermine the voting process, vowing to coordinate with the police commissioner to ensure security at polling stations and prevent disturbances. He specifically criticized protest groups and movements, including one he referred to as "the crazy movement of Ehud Barak," suggesting they might try to create chaos around the ballot boxes.
Addressing the Iranian threat, Netanyahu asserted that while military actions have weakened Tehran and its affiliates, the danger remains. He claimed that Iran is attempting to renew its nuclear program, which he believes was close to producing atomic bombs a year ago. Netanyahu emphasized his readiness to work with U.S. President Donald Trump to eliminate the Iranian threat permanently, stating that Trump is prepared to act with him as his "loyal servant."
Furthermore, Netanyahu warned right-wing voters against casting ballots for parties he believes will not pass the electoral threshold, suggesting their votes would effectively go to Arab politicians like Mansour Abbas and Ahmed Tibi. He also criticized Ofer Winter, alleging that Winter had changed his stance on supporting Netanyahu and was aligning with political rivals.
Regarding economic matters, Netanyahu dismissed recent controversies, highlighting his past tenure as Finance Minister and Israel's economic achievements, including its strong position in artificial intelligence. He also stated that sanctions against Israel have been blocked and expressed confidence in Israel's future economic and security prospects, particularly in the Arab world, once the Iranian threat is neutralized.
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