Netanyahu warns Hamas of massive military response ahead of elections

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened Hamas with a military response of "massive force" if the group, with its remaining fighters, carries out attacks ahead of the elections in an attempt to influence the results, according to his statement.

At the start of a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said Hamas might try to challenge Israel before the elections, stressing that Israel would work to thwart such attempts and would respond with overwhelming force if they occur.

He added that Israel has killed 4,000 Hamas members out of an estimated 6,000 over the past three years, vowing to continue pursuing the remaining members and to end Hamas's rule in the Gaza Strip.

On the domestic situation, Netanyahu stated that about 90% of residents in the Gaza border area have returned to their homes, noting that reconstruction and rebuilding efforts are ongoing in towns, kibbutzim, and agricultural settlements surrounding the Strip, according to his remarks.

He said a similar situation is unfolding in northern Israel, claiming that Israel has "reversed the equation" and is now the strongest country in the Middle East, while its enemies are weaker than ever, in his words.

Netanyahu concluded by addressing Israel's "enemies," saying: "Look at what we have done to you on seven fronts during the war—do not test us."