Netanyahu Warns Israel's Existence at Stake in Upcoming Election

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the "existence of the State of Israel is at stake in these elections," warning of a "liquidation sale" if his political opponents win. Speaking in a televised interview on "HaPatriotim" with Ynon Magal, Netanyahu asserted that his government has "changed the Middle East" through its actions, including refusing to halt operations in Rafah despite pressure. He specifically criticized former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, claiming Eisenkot advocated for an agreement with Hezbollah and against confronting Iran, and suggested Eisenkot would lead a government that would establish a Palestinian state with the backing of world powers.

Netanyahu vowed that Iran would not obtain nuclear weapons as long as he is prime minister. He emphasized that defeating the Iranian regime is crucial for eliminating the threats from Hamas and Hezbollah, and that the United States joined efforts against Iran after Israel initiated its campaign. He also mentioned ongoing challenges from figures like Turkey's Erdogan, highlighting the need to complete the mission.

The Prime Minister also attacked his political rivals, including Yair Golan, Avigdor Liberman, and Mansour Abbas, accusing them of forming a coalition that would lead to a "liquidation sale" of Israeli interests, including withdrawal from Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria, and the establishment of a Palestinian state. He argued this would be the "beginning of the end" for Israel.

Netanyahu's interview comes amid a critical juncture in the election campaign, with his efforts to consolidate the right-wing bloc intensifying. He recently urged Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich to unite, warning that a split could jeopardize the bloc's victory and lead to parties falling below the electoral threshold. This call led to a public dispute with Ben-Gvir, who rejected a joint run with Smotrich and accused Netanyahu of trying to weaken his Otzma Yehudit party. The tension escalated further when Ben-Gvir called Netanyahu's efforts a "cynical game" as the political system enters its final stretch before the elections.