'Security of Jewish State at Stake': Netanyahu's Emergency Call to Voters
PM Benjamin Netanyahu issues an emergency call to Likud voters, claiming the left is trying to steal the election as Arab turnout rises.
In a high-stakes appeal to his base, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a frantic "emergency call" to the electorate, warning that the very security of the Jewish state is on the line. As voting for the Knesset continues, Netanyahu claimed that left-wing opponents are attempting to "steal the election" from his Likud party.
'This is a State of Emergency'
Addressing his supporters via a video message on X, the Prime Minister urged Likud voters to flood the polling stations and abandon any plans for the day. He emphasized that staying home is not an option, calling on every possible family member—from grandparents to neighbors—to cast their ballots.
"My brothers and sisters, vote Likud," Netanyahu stated. "This is a state of emergency, because they are trying to steal the election from us."
Allegations of Criminality and Turnout Fears
The Prime Minister highlighted a specific incident reported by police to underscore the urgency of the situation. He revealed that three senior campaign financial officers from the Likud party were apprehended in the south carrying envelopes of cash, describing the act as "criminal" and warning that such tactics would be widespread.
Netanyahu also expressed deep concern over the disparity in voter turnout. He noted that participation in the Arab sector in the south was higher than in the Jewish sector, citing the words of political figures like Sa'ada, Ahmed Tibi, and Mansour Abbas to illustrate how their voters were flocking to the polls.
The Stakes: Right-Wing vs. Left-Wing Governance
For Netanyahu, the election represents a fundamental choice for the future of Israel. He framed the contest as a battle between two starkly different futures:
- A strong right-wing government led by Likud and its partners.
- A left-wing government involving Arab parties, which he claimed would bring an end to the State of Israel as it is currently known.
Earlier in the day, after casting his ballot in Jerusalem alongside his wife, Sara, Netanyahu reiterated his alarm on X, claiming that left-wing activists were "storming" polling stations while right-wing activists remained "indifferent."
The Opposition's Response
While Netanyahu sounded the alarm, his principal rival, Gadi Eisenkot, continued his campaign on election day. Eisenkot encouraged voters to remain patient despite long lines at the polling stations, asserting that "change is on its way" and promising that no one would be allowed to jeopardize that transition.
Current Election Status
According to official data released by the Central Elections Committee, voter turnout had reached 31.5 per cent by 12:00 PM local time.