Netanyahu kicks off election campaign with security-focused speech

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his Likud party's election campaign on Thursday with a security-focused speech in Jerusalem. The Likud party unveiled new team members for the upcoming elections.

Despite criticism over the government's inability to prevent the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attack, Netanyahu insisted that he and his party are the only ones capable of guaranteeing Israel's security. He outlined Israeli military operations conducted in Iran, Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza since 2023, emphasizing the need to complete the mission and destroy Hezbollah and Hamas.

Netanyahu accused his rivals of seeking territorial concessions and highlighted the presence of Israeli troops in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza as proof of Israel's expansionist approach. He reiterated his claim of having transformed the Middle East but did not provide details.

As the most right-wing government in Israeli history, Netanyahu heads a government that has been involved in multiple wars and expanded settlement construction in the occupied West Bank, an act deemed illegal under international law. The country has experienced increased violence since the Gaza war began.

Facing several corruption charges, Netanyahu is the first head of government to go through a criminal trial. Opinion polls suggest that the October 27 elections will be closely contested, with Netanyahu and his far-right and ultra-Orthodox allies opposing the centrist Gadi Eisenkot, who is backed by parties from both the right and the left.