Netanyahu Claims Israel's Enemies Will Attack Ahead of Elections

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated there are “indications” that Israel’s enemies will launch attacks ahead of the legislative elections scheduled for next October. Netanyahu also warned these enemies not to “mess around” with Tel Aviv.

“We have indications that leading up to the election, our enemies will attempt to attack us,” Netanyahu said while speaking at an Israeli airbase, in a video released by the Prime Minister’s office, as reported by AFP on Wednesday (30/09/2026).

“So… I convey this message to you: Do not mess with us, now or ever. Our long reach can reach you anywhere and at any time,” Netanyahu warned Israel’s enemies.

Netanyahu’s warning has triggered concerns from the Israeli opposition. The leader of the opposition in Tel Aviv, Yair Lapid, stated that he has contacted Netanyahu’s office to request an “urgent security update.”

“I want to know if this threat is real, and if so, how the Prime Minister is preparing this time to ensure the election takes place without disruption,” Lapid said in a statement via the social media platform X.

Responding to Lapid’s statement, Netanyahu’s office stated that the Prime Minister has “instructed his military secretary to provide the opposition leader with the latest information today regarding recent developments.”

Shortly after Netanyahu delivered his warning, Israeli Defence Minister Katz threatened to target Hamas leaders based outside of Gaza. This threat was issued after the Israeli military announced the death of a Hamas commander in an attack in northern Gaza last night.

“Hamas leaders abroad are also targets. None of these heinous killers, who played a central role in the October 7 massacre, shall die peacefully in their beds,” Katz said in a video statement.

“In the past, they escaped due to an incident that did not go according to plan, but the next opportunity will surely come, and they will be sent to the depths of hell,” he asserted, presumably referring to an Israeli airstrike on a Hamas high-ranking meeting in Qatar in September 2025.

In recent weeks, Netanyahu and Katz have repeatedly issued warnings to Iran, the Hezbollah group based in Lebanon, and even the Palestinian Authority based in the West Bank. They have also promised retaliation if attacks occur against Israel.

The Israeli legislative election is scheduled for 27 October, with Netanyahu facing fierce competition to lead Tel Aviv once again.