Netanyahu: “Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel"

• Benjamin Netanyahu says Hamas has been significantly weakened and claims the Gaza Strip no longer poses a “real threat.”
• He warns of possible rocket or drone attacks around election day that could disrupt the political process.

'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hamas has been significantly weakened and claimed the Gaza Strip no longer poses a “real threat,” while warning of possible rocket or drone attacks around election day.

In an interview with Makor Rishon published ahead of the scheduled ‘Israeli’ elections, Netanyahu discussed developments in Gaza as well as his broader political and security strategy.

Netanyahu said Hamas had been severely weakened during the war but warned that rocket or drone launches could still occur, particularly around election day.

He suggested such attacks could be intended to disrupt the political process, although he did not provide specific evidence of a planned attack.

His comments come amid continued international scrutiny of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and growing calls at the United Nations General Assembly for action over the war and support for Palestinian statehood.

Netanyahu also discussed the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, saying he rejected proposals to inform the US administration before the operation.

He argued that advance notification could have resulted in an information leak and allowed Nasrallah to leave his location before the strike.

Netanyahu also criticized former army chief Gadi Eisenkot, questioning his ability to communicate effectively in English and arguing that international diplomatic experience is essential for anyone seeking to become prime minister.

He accused Eisenkot of struggling to express his positions and avoiding major decisions.

The comments come as the political campaign intensifies ahead of the upcoming election, with Gaza and security remaining central issues in the contest.