Netanyahu and the “High-Value Target” Before the Elections: Arresting and Assassinating Prominent Figures Is Benjamin Netanyahu’s Only Way Out
By Dr. Ibrahim Farid Assalia
Journalist and Lecturer in Media Ethics
With the Israeli elections approaching, Benjamin Netanyahu is entering a sensitive political phase, facing strong competition and increasing internal pressure. In such circumstances, security and military achievements become particularly important, as they help the Prime Minister bolster his image as the “security man” capable of protecting Israel.
Hence, the hypothesis arises that Netanyahu may seek to intensify targeted operations against Hamas and other Palestinian factions in the coming period, focusing on targets that Israel considers high-value, whether through the arrest of prominent leaders or the targeting of military and security figures.
The arrest of Mu’in al-Arabeed, the head of internal security in Hamas, serves as an example of this type of operation, which can acquire significant security and media importance, especially if presented as a breach of the factions’ security structure and an ability to reach figures who are difficult to track.
The capture of a leading figure or someone connected to security operations can quickly become a major headline in the Israeli media, presented as a significant security achievement, especially if it comes at a sensitive time before the elections.
A “high-value target” might be more advantageous for Netanyahu than a large-scale military operation that fails to achieve a clear outcome. A targeted and successful operation can be marketed to the public as proof of the superiority of the intelligence and security services, and of Israel’s ability to reach its adversaries in the most complex areas.
However, this option also carries risks. The failure of a high-profile operation, casualties, or an escalation of the hostage crisis could provide the opposition with strong ammunition to attack Netanyahu and accuse him of prioritizing political considerations over security concerns.
Therefore, the coming period will be crucial. If the weeks leading up to the elections witness an increase in special operations and the arrest or targeting of prominent figures, accompanied by a broad media and political campaign highlighting these operations, the use of security achievements in the election campaign may intensify.
Ultimately, the question may not simply be: Who will be the next “high-value target”? But how and when will this achievement be used in the election campaign?
التاريخ 2-9-2026
