Netanyahu to ‘Post’: Iran, its proxies plotting ways to influence Israel’s election

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cautioned that Iran, along with its regional allies, is exploring methods to sway Israel's forthcoming election during a Wednesday conversation with The Jerusalem Post. "We have clear warnings from military intelligence and Mossad that Iran and its proxies are contemplating ways to sway the elections," Netanyahu asserted. "If they proceed, it will be a grave mistake on their part, as we will respond with force in a manner they cannot fathom," he cautioned.

Netanyahu argued that Iran and its allies could attempt to sully public confidence in Israel's security by orchestrating attacks to suggest that the country's military accomplishments have not fundamentally altered the regional power dynamics. He emphasized Israel's remarkable progress since the October 7, 2023, Hamas onslaught, stating, "We have achieved a remarkable feat," describing Israel as "the most powerful country in the Middle East."

According to Netanyahu, Israel has "completed 90% of the job" against Iran and its proxies, but the remaining task is to prevent them from rebuilding their capabilities. He listed adversaries, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who he claimed wanted him to lose the election.

Netanyahu identified Iran's nuclear ambitions as the most significant security threat Israel faces. He recalled that a year ago, Iran was on the brink of developing several atomic bombs, adding, "If we hadn't acted in Rising Lion and after that with the Roaring Lion, they'd have atomic bombs to destroy us."

Iran aims to build 20,000 ballistic missiles, Netanyahu claimed, describing such an arsenal as an existential threat to Israel, estimating they still possess over 1,000 missiles. Regarding potential future military operations against Iran, Netanyahu stated he believed US President Donald Trump and himself shared an understanding of the strategic significance.

He warned, "As long as the Iranian regime is there, they'll reconstitute themselves," emphasizing that Tehran would persist in pursuing capabilities Israel considers existential threats.