Netanyahu Declares Election a Fight for Israel's Existence

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a pre-election interview on Channel 14's "HaPatriotim" program that the upcoming elections are fundamentally about Israel's very existence. With less than 36 hours until polls open, Netanyahu warned of a potential left-wing victory, which he claimed could lead to the destruction of the state. He asserted that the election is a 60-60 tie, with a slight edge to the left, and that a left-wing government would pursue policies detrimental to Israel's security and identity.

Netanyahu outlined a dire scenario if the left wins, including the persecution of right-wing voters, the closure of Channel 14, the establishment of an Arab autonomy in the Negev, the withdrawal from security zones in Syria, Gaza, and Lebanon, and the naturalization of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, ultimately leading to the creation of a Palestinian state. He also addressed Iran's nuclear program, stating that while Iran has been harmed, it remains a threat and that only his government can prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, contrasting this with former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot's alleged view that living with an Iranian bomb is possible.

Furthermore, Netanyahu revealed he had instructed the Mossad and IDF to act to overthrow the Iranian regime, framing this as a crucial opportunity for Israel's future. He reiterated his promise to dismantle the "legal dictatorship," criticizing the ongoing trial against him. Netanyahu alleged that police and senior officials had briefed journalists and protest leaders during his trial, calling it an attack on democracy and demanding the trial's immediate conclusion based on revealed truths. He also criticized a proposed "accused law" that would prevent him from running for office, deeming it a blow to democracy.

Discussing the controversial figure of Ofer Winter, Netanyahu recounted that Winter had refused offers to join the Likud party and later made contradictory statements, including expressing regret for voting for Netanyahu and allegedly saying "Netanyahu can jump on me." Netanyahu accused Winter of taking votes from the right-wing bloc and potentially transferring them to the left.

Regarding the conscription of Haredim (ultra-Orthodox Jews), Netanyahu stated that the previous government was close to passing a law that would have seen 23,000 Haredim drafted, and that 5,000 have already enlisted. He asserted that those who do not study Torah will be drafted, and those who refuse will go to jail.

During the interview, a surprise guest, Yigal Maimon, who served with Netanyahu 50 years ago, recounted a story of rescuing a young Netanyahu from drowning in the Suez Canal during the Yom Kippur War. The audience repeatedly chanted "Bibi, King of Israel," to which interviewer Yinon Magal humorously distanced himself, stating, "we are a democracy."