Netanyahu Warns of West Bank Security Threats Ahead of Knesset Elections
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed during an i24NEWS interview that security forces are preparing for potential escalation in Judea and Samaria one week before the Knesset elections.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed potential security threats in Judea and Samaria during an interview with i24NEWS on Tuesday, exactly one week before the 26th Knesset elections.
Security Preparations and "Barrel Flipping"
During the broadcast with host Sharon Gal, Netanyahu was asked whether his government intends to dismantle the Palestinian Authority headed by Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) following the vote. The prime minister did not confirm a dismantling plan but revealed that the military is preparing for a severe scenario known as "barrel flipping" in Judea and Samaria.
I will tell you, one of the things we are preparing for is what is called barrel flipping... Therefore, I will say that about a month ago, at my request, the Chief of Staff and the commander of the Central Command presented to me and the Defense Minister a plan for a counter-operation against barrel flipping in Judea and Samaria, Netanyahu stated.
When pressed on whether preemptive action should be taken in light of the lessons learned from the October 7 massacre, Netanyahu maintained a cautious stance, declining to specify operational timetables while emphasizing that the security establishment is fully prepared.
Public Reactions and Media Debate
The interview quickly sparked widespread political and media commentary across Israel. Channel 13 journalist Raviv Drucker took to social media platform X to mock the interview style, posting a clip alongside a pointed remark directed at the host regarding the depth of questioning during prime-time political broadcasts.
