‘Iran could destroy us’ - Netanyahu warns of nuclear threat ahead of Israel election
Key Takeaways
Netanyahu claims Tehran has renewed its nuclear programme and threatens further strikes.
The Israeli leader presents his relationship with the US president as an advantage in confronting Iran.
Netanyahu cites a closely divided race while facing criticism over security failures and domestic issues.
Netanyahu warns of renewed Iranian nuclear activity and promises further military action, while presenting his close relationship with Donald Trump as a key advantage ahead of Israel's election.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Iran could launch another attack against Israel, citing concerns over Tehran's nuclear programme as he makes his final appeal to voters ahead of Tuesday's election.
Speaking during a television interview on Monday, Netanyahu described Iran as a major threat to Israel's security and claimed that Tehran had resumed nuclear activities despite previous military strikes.
"There is one fundamental question here: our survival today. This morning, Iran's news agency published a video showing the leadership's guidance to drop atomic bombs on Israel. They have renewed the nuclear program. We have battered this regime; it is faltering, it is bruised and battered, and like a wounded scorpion, it could make its desperate sting and destroy us," he said.
The Israeli leader insisted that the country's military was prepared to respond to any renewed threat, promising to 'strike them again.'
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Netanyahu also highlighted his close relationship with US President Donald Trump, presenting their cooperation as an opportunity to address Iran's nuclear ambitions.
He argued that Trump's remaining time in office offered Israel a chance to take further action against Tehran.
"It is doubtful we will ever have such a friendly president again. This will not repeat itself. He has two more years, and he says he calls on you to vote for me and he says, 'only with him.' Only with your humble servant will he be ready to launch an operation that will once and for all remove the Iranian threat," he said.
Netanyahu further claimed that he had instructed Israel's intelligence agency, Mossad, and the Israel Defence Forces to pursue regime change in Iran, arguing that removing Tehran's government was necessary to eliminate the threat.
The prime minister also suggested that several Arab countries were waiting to see whether Israel would complete its military campaign before considering further diplomatic agreements under the Abraham Accords.
"We have an opportunity to secure a bright diplomatic, economic, and security future for the State of Israel, to secure our future. That is what is at stake."
His comments come as Israel prepares for an election that Netanyahu described as closely contested.
According to figures he cited during the interview, the rival political blocs were tied at 60 seats each.
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Tuesday's vote follows US and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities, which were followed by retaliatory attacks across the region.
Netanyahu is also facing domestic criticism over the security failures surrounding the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, exemptions from military service and the rising cost of living.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
