Ehud Barak Warns Netanyahu May Escalate Conflict to Disrupt 2026 Elections

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak has issued a stark warning that current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might take extreme measures to undermine the upcoming 2026 elections if he believes he is likely to lose. Barak suggested Netanyahu could escalate military conflict, particularly by attacking the Dahiya area in Lebanon, to provoke a broader war with Iran and delay the elections. He warned that such an escalation could involve Hezbollah launching drones into Israel, triggering a wider regional conflict.

Barak also cautioned about potential attempts to disrupt the election process itself, including violent riots and attacks on vote counting centers. He referenced past incidents where rioters breached the Supreme Court and other sensitive sites, suggesting similar tactics might be used to interfere with the election results. Barak emphasized that Netanyahu would not hesitate to take harsh actions to neutralize the elections if he senses defeat.

The former prime minister framed his warning as a deterrent, aiming to prepare the public and security forces for possible scenarios. He stated that awareness of these risks could help prevent surprises and ensure readiness. Barak concluded that political insiders understand Netanyahu’s potential willingness to resort to severe measures to maintain power if faced with electoral loss.

The warning comes amid heightened tensions involving Lebanon, Hezbollah, and Iran, with the Dahiya district in Beirut being a focal point of past Israeli military strikes. The 2026 elections are seen as critical for Israel’s political future, and Barak’s alert underscores concerns about stability and democratic processes in the country.