Will Netanyahu initiate a security escalation against Iran or in the West Bank to postpone the elections?
An analysis in Haaretz newspaper quotes military analyst Amos Harel that Netanyahu may initiate a security escalation against Iran or in the West Bank to postpone the elections scheduled for October 27, considering his loss a personal "catastrophe" that could lead to his imprisonment. The article indicates that Netanyahu discussed with Trump the possibility of attacking Iran.
The article discusses a hypothesis circulating in Israel that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may initiate a security escalation against Iran or in the West Bank in order to postpone the elections scheduled for October 27, in which polls show he is likely to lose. The article is based on an analysis by Haaretz military writer and analyst Amos Harel, who wrote on Friday that Netanyahu considers his loss in the elections a personal "catastrophe" and is convinced that losing power will lead to his conviction in his criminal trial and subsequent imprisonment, contrary to the expectations of many legal analysts that he will reach a deal with the prosecution. The article quotes Harel as saying that "the conclusion that clearly emerges from Netanyahu's behavior and statements now is that the end justifies all means, and he will not automatically reject any trick, deception, or lie if it distances him from the prison cell." The article adds that Netanyahu has repeatedly spoken in recent weeks about a security escalation, and yesterday claimed that indicators are increasing that Israel's enemies are planning some action on the eve of the elections. Channel 12 also reported that Netanyahu discussed with US President Donald Trump the possibility of Israel attacking Iran alone or in coordination with the United States, and that Trump told Netanyahu to prepare for such a scenario.