Israel: Netanyahu warns of existential threat as Hamas leader is captured

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a warning regarding the upcoming Knesset elections, stating that a victory by his political opponents could lead to the destruction of the Jewish state. Netanyahu claimed that opposition leaders might weaken Israel's regional position by withdrawing the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from Gaza, southern Lebanon, and Syria, potentially leaving territories vulnerable to hostile groups linked to Iran. He also expressed opposition to the establishment of an internationally recognized Palestinian state, which he views as a threat to Israel's existence.

In a separate security development, Israeli forces captured Muein al-Arabid, identified by Hamas as the head of its internal security department in the Gaza Strip, during a ground operation. Israeli security agencies, including Shin Bet, stated that al-Arabid had been working to consolidate Hamas control in northern Gaza and orchestrate attacks against Israeli soldiers. Hamas has condemned the capture, alleging he was taken after being wounded in combat, and reported that the incident resulted in four deaths. While Israeli officials linked him to hostage-related activities, a Gaza security source denied his involvement in military operations against Israel, claiming his role was monitoring collaborators.