Newsletters
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday voiced confidence that Iran’s government could soon fall, saying it was weaker than ever as the United States resumed attacks on Iranian territory.
“This regime is currently teetering. It is weaker than ever. It is fighting for its survival,” Netanyahu said at an event with Israeli military leaders.
“I am convinced that we can remove this threat once and for all, that is, to overthrow this regime,” he said.
“That is the central task that still lies ahead of us, but it is close. It is not impossible. It is within reach,” he added.
Netanyahu, who has for decades described Iran’s cleric-run state as an existential threat, launched a joint attack on Iran with the United States in late February, although U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly called a cease-fire in April.
The United States has since imposed more economic pressure on Tehran and resumed strikes this week, prompting Iran to fire back at U.S. allies in the Gulf, Jordan and Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, but not Israel.
“If they're not attacking us, it is not by chance. They attack everyone, but not us,” Netanyahu said.
“They know our power, the strength of our arms, and our determination,” he added.
Netanyahu’s remarks came ahead of general elections scheduled for Oct. 27, in which some polls show him trailing as opposition leaders accuse him of failing on Iran.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak said Netanyahu would not accept the results if he loses, claiming “fraud.”
Barak made the remarks during a radio program in Israel.
The former prime minister said Netanyahu sees next month’s election results “as a threat against him.”
Barak said that if Netanyahu loses the election, a state-level commission of inquiry would be established regarding Oct. 7, 2023, adding that Netanyahu is “deathly afraid” of the information such a commission would reveal.
Describing Netanyahu as “a trapped, wounded animal,” Barak said: “Nothing will stop Netanyahu, and he will use every means to prevent the elections.”
Barak also drew attention to attacks by Israelis who usurp Palestinian lands in the occupied West Bank, saying they are effectively encouraged by key ministers in Netanyahu’s government.
“Anyone with foresight understands that the outbreak of chaos that would lead to the cancellation of the elections serves Netanyahu and his political partners,” he said.
According to the latest public opinion polls in Israel, Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party would win 24 seats if elections were held, while Netanyahu’s Likud Party would win 22 seats.
The results show the opposition bloc led by Eisenkot reaching 55 seats, Netanyahu’s coalition bloc taking 52 seats and parties representing Palestinian citizens of Israel winning 13 seats.
At least 61 lawmakers in Israel’s 120-seat parliament are needed to form a government.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
