Benjamin Netanyahu intensified his campaign messaging in the run-up to elections scheduled for Tuesday, employing alarmist rhetoric about Iran’s nuclear program and an AI-generated image depicting nuclear destruction of Tel Aviv. He warned voters that failure to support him would risk nuclear annihilation, stating that those concerned about their physical security should vote accordingly.
Reports emerged that Netanyahu and military leadership clashed over a potential directive regarding Iran operations at a sensitive political moment. Israel’s Channel 12 news indicated that Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, the armed forces chief of staff, had requested that details of this directive be provided in writing, citing concerns about provoking miscalculation. Netanyahu denied the reports, while the defense ministry stated there were no intentions to conduct military operations against Iran. The IDF responded cautiously, emphasizing that its decisions were based on security and professional considerations without directly addressing the claims.
Separately, CNN reported that Netanyahu had sought to persuade Donald Trump to launch renewed military action against Iran in recent weeks, though Trump declined pending the outcome of US congressional elections occurring the following week. This followed wars between Israel and Iran that had commenced in February and continued through spring.
Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot, a retired general, expressed confidence in Zamir and pledged to prevent the military from becoming a tool in Netanyahu’s political survival. Most polling suggested the centre-right opposition bloc led by Eisenkot would secure more parliamentary seats than Netanyahu’s coalition, though neither would likely achieve the 61 seats required for a governing majority. The opposition could potentially form a majority by partnering with parties representing Palestinian citizens, though conservative members of the opposition bloc had rejected such coalitions.
As election day approached, Netanyahu framed the contest as existential, characterizing his opponents as an alliance between the left and Palestinian interests that threatened national existence. Trump publicly reiterated his endorsement, with reports indicating Netanyahu’s office had pressured for the repeated support. However, polling data suggested limited impact, with 64 percent of Israelis surveyed stating external endorsements would not influence their vote.
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