Netanyahu promises West Bank operation and Iran confrontation ahead of Israeli election

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans for a sweeping military operation in the West Bank, describing it as "unlike anything carried out since the Six-Day War," following a deadly terrorist attack near Hebron that killed two soldiers. Netanyahu also signaled a potential new confrontation with Iran and intends to circumvent international banking sanctions using cryptocurrencies, a tactic employed by Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela. The announcement comes two days before Israel's election, with critics warning that a Netanyahu victory would bring further conflict. The prime minister's rhetoric has drawn sharp criticism, with opponents highlighting his age, health, and divisive statements about leftists and Arab security. Political commentators have also questioned the credibility of Defense Minister Israel Katz and former Likud member Tzachi Hanegbi, while noting that opposition candidate Gadi Eisenkot's record speaks for itself.