Netanyahu Announces Re-Election Bid as Prime Minister Despite Criticism Over Wartime Leadership

(Central News Agency, Jerusalem, 15th -综合 foreign media reports) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced today that he intends to run in the general election to be held later this year, despite increasing domestic criticism over his wartime leadership.

Netanyahu, the longest-serving prime minister in Israel's history, is currently undergoing a corruption trial. In recent months, opposition leaders have intensified criticism against Netanyahu, accusing him of failing to achieve the war objectives he set following Hamas' attack on Israel in October 2023.

Netanyahu stated during a televised press conference: "I will run in the general election, and I will win." This marks his first public statement since the United States and Iran reached a peace agreement.

Israel's political landscape has universally condemned the U.S.-Iran deal, arguing that its terms fail to safeguard Israel's national security interests.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett described the agreement as a "dangerous turning point" for Israel's security. Bennett is one of the main contenders in this year's general election.

Earlier this month, U.S. President Trump publicly questioned in a media interview whether Netanyahu would run again. Subsequently, Netanyahu's right-wing Likud Party officially announced that he would seek re-election.

Israel's general election is scheduled to be held by the end of October.

Netanyahu has served multiple terms, holding the office of prime minister for nearly 20 years. Recently, he has also faced health issues. Earlier this year, he revealed that he had undergone surgery to successfully remove a "small, early-stage malignant tumor" from his prostate. (Translation: Chi-Chin Ling) 1150616

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