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- October 19, 202616°
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- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
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- October 19, 202616°
Netanyahu says he is not confident of election victory over Palestinian state
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was not confident he would win the general election on October 27 and was deeply concerned about the outcome. Netanyahu said he would not leave politics even if he lost the election.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was not confident of victory at a time when the general election scheduled for October 27 is critical to his political future. Netanyahu said he would not leave politics even if he lost the election.
Speaking to 104 FM radio, affiliated with the Maariv newspaper, Netanyahu said, "We must be confident that we will win. I am not confident of my victory, and I am very concerned."
Election will determine governing majority
At least 61 of the 120 members of Israel's parliament, the Knesset, must give a vote of confidence for a government to be formed. Netanyahu's alliance and the opposition parties refuse to form a coalition with Palestinian parties in order to establish a government.
Recent opinion polls show Netanyahu trailing Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yeshar Party. However, neither leader has secured the majority needed to form a government, and the support of Palestinian parties may be required.
The election result could also affect Netanyahu's political future as he stands trial on charges of corruption, bribery, fraud and breach of trust. A conviction on these charges could lead to a prison sentence.
Netanyahu warns about Palestinian state and Iran
Netanyahu said an opposition government led by Gadi Eisenkot would undo what he described as the achievements of his government since late 2022.
Netanyahu claimed that such a government would make concessions over Iran's nuclear program and allow the establishment of a Palestinian state. He said Israel's governing alliance and the Jewish opposition blocs oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state envisaged in United Nations resolutions.
Netanyahu also called on voters to support the Likud Party. He said Likud could continue what it describes as its mission of working with U.S. President Donald Trump to bring down Iran's government.
He called the election an "existential issue"
Describing the election race as "an existential issue," Netanyahu said, "The choice here is an existential issue: either the right or Palestine. They will establish a Palestinian state; this will be a disaster."
The Israeli prime minister also argued that the opposition would make concessions over Iran's nuclear program and would not bring down Iran's government. The United States and Israel argue that Iran's nuclear and missile programs pose a threat to Israel and some countries in the region, while Iran says its nuclear program is peaceful and is not intended to produce nuclear weapons.
Netanyahu finally called on voters to make their choice "either Bibi or Arab lawmaker Ahmad al-Tibi."
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