Six controversial ways Benjamin Netanyahu has tried to salvage his election prospects

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel is employing several controversial tactics in an attempt to secure his re-election during the nation's upcoming general election. As polls indicate a close race, Netanyahu is employing a range of strategies that have drawn criticism from both domestic and international stakeholders.

First, Netanyahu has spread fear by warning of a "second Holocaust" if the opposition wins the election. In a recent post on the social media platform X, Netanyahu claimed that Israel and the US had "secured a historic victory" over Iran's nuclear program, implying dire consequences should the vote not go his way. Opposition politician Naftali Bennett, a former prime minister, has dismissed Netanyahu's claims as a lie. The warning comes amidst already tense relations at home and in the Middle East.

Second, tensions have erupted between Netanyahu and the Israeli military after he pushed for a joint US-Israeli strike on Iran before the election. The move sparked an "unprecedented confrontation" with the military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, who reportedly resisted Netanyahu's attempts to initiate military action. The push for a military strike has since been met with skepticism, as CNN reported that US President Donald Trump had not approved the plan.

Third, Netanyahu has escalated the security situation in the occupied West Bank following an attack that killed two Israeli soldiers. The operation, conducted in apocalyptic language, has displaced nearly 2,700 Palestinians, though Israeli officials claim the assault was ordered for political reasons. The operation has received widespread criticism from analysts and residents alike, with many suggesting that security escalations before elections typically benefit the incumbent government.

Fourth, Netanyahu has floated the idea of using cryptocurrency and blockchain technology to circumvent sanctions linked to the West Bank. The proposal has been met with harsh criticism from the Bank of Israel and over 100 top economists and business leaders, who warn that such technology cannot be used to bypass sanctions. Instead, economists advocate for preserving economic relationships with trade partners to safeguard the country's economy.

Fifth, Netanyahu has sought endorsements from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who expressed hope for a continued strong relationship between Israel and the US. In exchange for his support, Israel's Prime Minister has pledged to "finish the job" in Iran, referring to the ongoing tensions between the two nations. The endorsement from Trump, a key ally for Netanyahu, has bolstered his campaign narrative.

Finally, Netanyahu has faced backlash for meeting with far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Police Chief Commissioner Daniel Levy. Israel's Attorney General had initially prohibited the meeting, claiming it could unfairly influence the election. Nonetheless, Netanyahu went ahead with the meeting on the condition that no discussion of election processes be allowed.

Opposition politicians argue that Netanyahu is attempting to distort the election outcome by raising doubts about the result and stoking fears of a leftist conspiracy to undermine the right-wing vote.