{
  "id": 15398326,
  "title": "'I am very worried': Netanyahu unsure about victory in upcoming elections, says he will not retire",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/i-am-very-worried-netanyahu-unsure-about-victory-in-upcoming",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T11:24:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/israel-election-2026/article-912033"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voiced apprehension regarding the potential for defeat in the upcoming election during an interview with Radio North on Sunday. He emphasized the necessity of securing a victory, expressing his uncertainty about achieving it.\n\nNetanyahu also touched upon the possibility of him not forming the next government if he were to lose. When asked if he would retire from politics in such a scenario, he firmly stated, \"No, I will not retire from politics.\"\n\nMoreover, Netanyahu criticized his political rivals, including Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, and Avigdor Liberman. He argued that a government led by them would be contingent on the support of Arab parties. He staunchly defended his stance, asserting that Gadi Eisenkot could not assemble a government sans Mansour Abbas and Ahmad Tibi, even according to their overstated figures. He emphasized, \"If you desire a government of appeasement and inaction against Israel's adversaries in the north, vote for Gadi Eisenkot.\"\n\nNetanyahu further accused Eisenkot of being ineffective in countering the threat posed by Iran acquiring nuclear capabilities. He contended that Eisenkot had previously suggested \"accommodating a nuclear Iran\" and that \"attacking Khamenei was a mistake.\" He also claimed that Eisenkot wielded no influence in the United States and questioned his ability to mobilize forces and comprehend the situation.\n\nNetanyahu posited that a prime minister in Israel must be a global actor, aware that there can be no concessions in the face of an existential threat. He dismissed the notion that Gadi or his associates were responsible for the situation, labeling it as a misrepresentation. In a later part of the interview, Netanyahu addressed the defamation lawsuit brought against him by former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, denying Bar's allegations and accusing him of falsehoods. Netanyahu alleged that Bar had submitted nearly 1,000 documents to the State Comptroller, including those available online, substantiating his claims.",
  "summary": "Netanyahu also criticized his political rivals, including Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, and Avigdor Liberman, claiming that a government led by them would depend on the support of Arab parties.",
  "key_points": [
    "Netanyahu expresses concern about losing upcoming elections.",
    "He refuses to retire if defeated, maintains political involvement.",
    "Criticizes rivals, claims they need Arab parties to form government."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Ynetnews",
        "title": "Lieberman eyes new elections without Netanyahu, vows to pass law barring indicted PMs",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/lieberman-eyes-new-elections-without-netanyahu-vows-to-pass-law",
        "published": "2026-10-17T16:41:37.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}