Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Iran and its regional allies against attempting to disrupt Israel’s parliamentary elections on October 27, saying the country’s military is ready to respond
to any potential attacks.
In a video message on Sunday, Netanyahu said Israeli intelligence had detected indications that Iran and its allies could target the country to interfere with the vote. “We have intelligence signs that our enemies, Iran and its proxies, could challenge us with attacks to disrupt the elections,” he said.
“Don’t test us. You will suffer disproportionate blows,” Netanyahu warned, adding that Israel’s military was prepared to undertake both defensive and offensive operations.
The warning comes as Netanyahu has made national security a key theme of his election campaign. He has repeatedly highlighted the war on Iran, launched by Israel and the US in February, while portraying himself as the leader capable of sustaining the military campaign.
Netanyahu Puts Security At Centre Of Election Campaign
Israel is scheduled to hold parliamentary elections on October 27 to elect all 120 members of the Knesset. The election could bring an end to Netanyahu’s lengthy tenure as prime minister. Having served longer than any other Israeli leader, he has placed considerable emphasis on his security record during the campaign.
On Sunday, Netanyahu also posted an AI-generated image depicting a mushroom cloud over Tel Aviv. The post featured text attributed to a right-wing political commentator describing Iran as an existential threat to Israel.
Earlier in the week, Netanyahu said he had directed Israel’s security forces to work towards toppling Iran’s clerical government. A day before that announcement, he shared a video showing himself standing in front of a fighter jet while speaking to US President Donald Trump over the phone. In the video, both leaders said they would “finish the job” together.
Tehran Rejects Any Change In Its Stance
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that further US-Israeli attacks would not alter Tehran’s policies. His comments came after Trump raised the prospect of fresh strikes while also indicating that a diplomatic agreement remained possible.
“Today, talk of war is resurfacing again, but…Whether war happens or not, our policies remain in place,” Araghchi said, according to the Associated Press (AP).
“If there is any rationality, they will not try military action against Iran again,” he added, arguing that another round of attacks would not lead to a different outcome.
“The end of this war must be across all fronts,” Araghchi said. He also cautioned that the Strait of Hormuz would not return to its pre-war state. The narrow waterway serves as a vital passage for global oil and gas shipments.
Trump Weighs Military Action As Door To Deal Remains Open
US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Washington could carry out fresh attacks against Iran, while also suggesting that a deal remained within reach.
“Maybe tomorrow… There’s a possibility I will. There’s also a possibility we’ll have a nice, big, beautiful agreement,” he said.
Trump asserted that Tehran wanted to reach an agreement but questioned whether it would honour its commitments. He also praised the US military campaign, claiming American forces had inflicted extensive damage on Iran’s military capabilities.
The United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28 and assassinated its Supreme Leader. Tehran responded by attacking US bases in the Gulf and shutting down shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
A ceasefire between Iran and the US came into effect on April 8, bringing an end to the sustained bombardment. However, disagreements over maritime access and the blockade have persisted.
A memorandum agreed upon by the two sides in June subsequently unravelled, with both countries accusing the other of violating its terms.
