Former Israeli premier accuses Netanyahu of preparing ground for war that could delay elections

Former Israeli Premier Ehud Barak accused on Friday Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of “laying the groundwork” for a war that could delay the general elections on Oct. 27.

“Netanyahu is preparing the infrastructure to go to war in a way that would postpone the elections,” Barak told Channel 12.

Barak sharply criticized Netanyahu, saying he “lies as he breathes, as he eats French fries, and as he leaves a restaurant without paying.”

Barak said “we must do everything to remove him from power on Oct. 27, once and for all.”

His remarks come amid an intensifying domestic debate about the use of security issues in the election campaign.

Netanyahu warned earlier this week that Israel could face attacks ahead of the election, and also held consultations with senior security officials on developments on several fronts.

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He has also threatened retaliation against anyone found to have been behind an incident involving Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Sept. 30.

He said an investigation is underway to determine whether the perpetrator acted on instructions from another party, and that “whoever sent him will pay a very heavy price.”

The Flydubai incident has become an election campaign issue amid accusations by his opponents that he is exploiting security issues to bolster his position in the campaign.

Barak’s comments also come as Israeli military operations continue on several fronts, including the Gaza Strip, Lebanon and Syria.

In August, Barak accused Netanyahu of seeking to reach Election Day amid heightened security tension and public fear, arguing that escalation on some regional fronts is linked to electoral considerations.

The election will be Israel’s first general vote since the Oct. 7, 2023 events.

Opposition parties have intensified coordination in an effort to replace Netanyahu’s government through the ballot box.

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