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Netanyahu Sits Down with Channel 14 Three Days Before Election

By: C14 Desk

Editor: C14 Editors

13 Marcheshvan 5787 (24.10.26)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a wide-ranging interview to Channel 14 Saturday night, addressing policy, security, and economic issues just days before Israelis head to the polls.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sat down for an interview with Lital Shemesh on Channel 14 Saturday night, just three days before polls open. In the special interview, he addressed burning policy, security, and economic issues, as well as the final stretch of the election campaign.

The Prime Minister referred to the attack that occurred on Friday and said that “the Palestinian Authority is a hostile body to the State of Israel that seeks to eliminate us.” Netanyahu expressed sorrow for the fall of two Israeli soldiers, and appreciation for those who eliminated the terrorists, who he said sought to carry out a mass attack.

The Prime Minister later addressed the storm that arose following his remarks about the possibility of using cryptocurrencies as an alternative route in the event that economic sanctions were imposed on Israel. Netanyahu made it clear that he was taking into account the objections to the move, and that it was not at all certain that it would be used: “This is just one of the options.”

Referring to possible scenarios after the elections, Netanyahu warned that there is a concern that a government headed by Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman will be formed. “The concern is that a government headed by Avigdor Lieberman will be forced upon us,” the prime minister said.

On the issue of conscription, Netanyahu said that every citizen of Israel – ultra-Orthodox or Arab – should be required to contribute to the state through military or civilian service. The Prime Minister emphasized that the obligation should apply especially to those who are not studying, and that those who do not serve in the IDF are required to integrate into a civilian service framework.

Referring to the possibility of forming a government with Gadi Eisenkot, Netanyahu did not outright rule out a rotation agreement with him, but he expressed reservations about the feasibility of such a move. According to him, such a government composition would make it difficult to advance policy and make decisions: “Nothing can be done in such a government.”