Netanyahu Defends Against Election Push, Lapid Claims Government Paralysis

In a Sunday night press conference, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed critical issues facing Israel, including the ramifications of potential elections, ongoing hostage negotiations with Hamas, and national security concerns. Netanyahu argued that holding elections at this moment would significantly disrupt the nation’s operations, potentially paralyzing it for up to eight months and jeopardizing efforts to secure the release of hostages and achieve wartime objectives.

Netanyahu specifically highlighted the benefits such a scenario would provide to Hamas, suggesting that the terrorist group would see Israel’s destabilization through elections as advantageous. Netanyahu stated, “It would paralyze negotiations for freeing our hostages and would bring an end to the war before achieving its goals,” adding, “and the first who welcome this is Hamas, and that says everything.”

Additionally, Netanyahu detailed the military’s readiness for operations in Rafah, clarifying that neither external pressures nor any other factors would deter military actions necessary for national security and the dismantling of Hamas battalions in the area. Focusing on the hostage situation, the Prime Minister noted, “We are showing flexibility in the talks while Hamas is hardening its position. If we give in to another demand every two days, this will bring about a deal? This is the opposite of the truth.”

Later on Sunday, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid criticized the Prime Minister for suggesting that elections would paralyze the country. Lapid argued that the country is already paralyzed due to Netanyahu’s leadership, pointing out stagnation in various areas, including the war with Hamas, hostage negotiations, and governmental functions, saying, “Mr. Netanyahu, elections will not paralyze the country—it is paralyzed now.”