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Ongoing Story· Day 13

Israel Not Expected to Launch Preemptive Strike on Iran Before Elections

35 developments

MaarivSecurity

IDF Denies Reports of Planned Attack on Iran Before Elections

Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba

CenterNeutral tone

Hebrew · Sole source

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have denied reports of a planned preemptive strike against Iran before upcoming elections, stating no immediate threat exists. A military source confirmed ongoing high tensions and Iran's nuclear and missile development, but stressed any future action would be coordinated with the US. The IDF also refuted claims of a canceled air campaign and warning flights over Syria and Iraq. The military is focused on defense and ensuring the upcoming elections proceed without disruption.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

  • IDF denies reports of a planned preemptive strike on Iran before upcoming elections.
  • Tensions with Iran remain high, but future action would be coordinated with the US.
  • IDF is maintaining high alert and is prepared to respond if attacked.
  • Reports of a canceled Israeli air campaign in Iran were denied.
  • IDF is working to ensure the upcoming elections proceed smoothly.
IDF Denies Reports of Planned Attack on Iran Before Elections
Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have officially denied reports suggesting a planned preemptive strike against Iran ahead of upcoming elections. A military source emphasized that while tensions with Iran remain high, any future action would be coordinated with the United States and not undertaken independently. The source stated that Israel is currently not initiating an attack on Iran, but is maintaining a high state of alert and is prepared to respond if attacked. Iran's continued efforts to build up its missile and drone capabilities, along with its nuclear program and regime stability, are ongoing concerns that may necessitate future action, either through negotiation or military means.

The military source refuted specific claims published in the Financial Times, which alleged that Israel had planned a multi-day air campaign in Iran in early October targeting nuclear facilities, power plants, and regime objectives. This alleged operation was reportedly called off due to opposition from then-US President Donald Trump, who was concerned about escalating conflict before the US midterm elections. The source also dismissed reports of warning flights over Syria and Iraq, stating that while Israel operates throughout the Middle East and monitors the region, no such flights were conducted to signal intent for combat.

The IDF maintains a heightened state of readiness, with fluctuations, over the past several months. However, the military is not planning a preemptive strike on Iran at this time, as there are no immediate threats detected that would endanger Israel. The focus remains on defense and preparedness for various scenarios. The source also noted the ongoing visits of the US Secretary of Defense to his troops in the Middle East, including Iraq and Jordan, which are typically kept secret.

Furthermore, the military source affirmed that the IDF is doing everything possible to ensure the upcoming elections proceed smoothly, a commitment made by Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. The IDF is actively working to uphold this pledge.

MaarivCentre · Jerusalem

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