Israeli Generals: No Reason to Attack Before Elections Unless Provoked

elections, unless Tehran begins preparing an offensive strike. These sources clarified that while there was an increase in military readiness and tension in response to American alertness, no plans for an attack were on the agenda. The IDF is reportedly trying to maintain high vigilance and avoid escalation, despite public statements from Israeli political leadership about a potential strike.

The military does not welcome these statements, as they are not in control of political rhetoric but would bear the consequences.

These drills are described as routine operational work to maintain readiness, identify enemy weaknesses, and refine strike capabilities, but do not signify a decision to attack before the elections. U.S. midterm elections.

In parallel, Iranian state television reported on October 22 that seven oil tankers were damaged or sank due to attacks or mines in the Strait of Hormuz, which, if true, would be the largest number of vessels affected in a single day since February 28. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) threatened to attack U.S. bases if Washington attempted to secure tanker passage. Shipping intelligence firm Lloyd's List Intelligence noted that some tanker operators are navigating the Strait at night via a route near Oman, with security provided by the U.S. military, and then transferring oil to other vessels.

elections. The IDF was reportedly preparing for a multi-day conflict targeting Iranian civilian infrastructure. However, Netanyahu denied these reports. The New York Times reported on October 22 that U.S. Iranian officials have stated they are aware of these plans and are developing their own countermeasures, including threats to target data centers and undersea internet cables, warning that any new conflict would not be brief.