Netanyahu threatens Iran with ‘blow it cannot imagine’ as support declines before elections

Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran that it would face a response “it cannot even imagine” if Tehran attacked Israel, delivering the threat as his political standing weakened ahead of upcoming Knesset elections.

Speaking at the Israeli government’s weekly meeting, the prime minister said Iran was refraining from attacking because it understood the consequences. His remarks came about 50 days before the Oct. 27 election, while opinion polls showed declining support for Netanyahu and his Likud party.

“

If Iran makes a mistake and attacks us, it will receive a blow it cannot even imagine.

Israeli officials have suggested that Netanyahu is increasing military pressure on several fronts to preserve support among far-right political factions. Despite what the article described as losses suffered by Israel during its regional military operations, Netanyahu said Israel was “stronger than ever” and its enemies were “weaker than ever.”

“

Israel is stronger than ever, and its enemies are weaker than ever.

He credited cooperation with the United States for major achievements against threats to Israel. Netanyahu said the two countries had pushed back the threat from Iranian nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles and dealt a major blow to what he called the Iranian axis. He also claimed that Iran’s government was “approaching its end.”

Regional tensions have remained high since U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran began on Feb. 28, followed by Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. interests across the region. In June, Iran and the United States signed a Pakistan- and Qatar-mediated memorandum that outlined steps toward ending hostilities, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing economic restrictions. Both sides have since accused the other of failing to implement the agreement, while military tensions and disputes over sanctions and navigation have continued.

“

approaching its end