Israel's Defense Minister Warns of Iranian Attempts to Influence Elections Through Attacks
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Iran and its proxies are attempting to carry out attacks to influence Israel's upcoming elections. He stated that security decisions will be made without political considerations and vowed severe retaliation against any attackers. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also previously warned of potential security escalations before the elections, assuring preparedness.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of Iranian attempts to influence Israeli elections through attacks.
- Katz stated that security decisions will be made based on operational needs, not political timelines.
- He issued a strong warning that any attacker would pay the heaviest price.
- The Defense Minister called for national unity against external threats despite political divisions.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously warned of potential pre-election security escalations.
Defense Minister Israel Katz revealed on Tuesday that Israeli security forces are identifying attempts by Iran and its proxies to orchestrate attacks aimed at influencing the upcoming elections in Israel. Katz made these remarks during a ceremony marking the inauguration of the Etzel Museum and the Altalena cannon.
He emphasized that security decisions would be made solely based on operational needs, irrespective of the election timeline or political considerations. "Our enemies should know: anyone who attacks us, before or after the elections, and anyone who harms IDF soldiers or Israeli citizens, will have their hand severed and will pay the heaviest price," Katz stated, issuing a stern warning to Israel's adversaries.
The Defense Minister elaborated on the identified threats, stating, "We are identifying attempts by our enemies, primarily Iran and its proxies, to advance attacks that will influence the election results in Israel." In light of these challenges, Katz called for national unity, urging all levels of leadership to maintain deep solidarity against external security threats, despite the political divisions typical of an election period.
Katz assured that the IDF and security agencies would continue to defend the country based on operational requirements, and no political or electoral schedule would dictate decision-making. "Together with the IDF and the security forces, we will act to defend the country at any time and place required. Decisions will be made according to security needs, independent of any other consideration."
These warnings echo those made earlier by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who, during a visit to the seam line in Samaria, addressed intelligence warnings of a potential deliberate security escalation ahead of the elections. Netanyahu affirmed that the IDF is prepared for various extreme scenarios, including "reversal of barrels," and has been presented with orderly operational plans.
