Ehud Barak Warns Netanyahu Must Be Ousted If He Disrupts Elections

DID Press: Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak has warned that Benjamin Netanyahu should be removed from power “by force” if he attempts to obstruct upcoming elections, raising tensions ahead of Israel’s expected 2026 vote.

In an interview with Israeli media outlet Kan, Barak said he fears Netanyahu may take steps to derail elections and push the country into a new security crisis.

He stated that if such actions occur, “there will be no choice but to remove him by force,” accusing Netanyahu of potentially undermining democratic processes.

Barak further alleged that Netanyahu could escalate military operations in Lebanon in order to provoke retaliation from Hezbollah and Iran, potentially creating conditions to delay elections.

The former prime minister also claimed Netanyahu is заинтересed in prolonging the war, arguing that ending it could accelerate ongoing legal proceedings against him on corruption charges.

Netanyahu, who has led Israel since late 2022, is currently facing multiple corruption cases and an international arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court over alleged war crimes in Gaza.

In response, Likud lawmaker Boaz Bismuth called for a criminal investigation into Barak, saying his remarks amount to incitement against the prime minister.

Israel’s next parliamentary elections are expected to be held in September or October 2026 after the current Knesset term ends.