Israeli Police Prepare for Armed Militias and Election Result Rejection Scenario

Israeli security forces are preparing for a worst-case scenario on election night involving armed militias and refusal to accept election results. Police officials warn that a major risk is that one of the leading political blocs might reject the official outcome and call supporters to the streets, potentially triggering violent clashes with opposing factions defending the democratic process. This could escalate into a civil conflict requiring assistance from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Senior police and former Shin Bet officers emphasize the need to treat this "Capitol scenario" with utmost seriousness, calling for detailed operational plans, reinforcements, and nationwide drills. They highlight the rise of armed militias over the past four years, including paramilitary units in the West Bank and thousands of civilians armed with weapons, creating a volatile environment.

Concerns also stem from media outlets promoting narratives of election fraud and delegitimizing the Central Election Committee and Supreme Court, which could fuel public distrust. Former officials express doubts about the Shin Bet's current reliability in maintaining democratic order.

Police Commissioner Danni Levi is expected to present the police's findings on the October 7 massacre and election preparations to senior commanders next week. Security sources describe the scenario as "very real and frightening," underscoring the police's central role in managing potential unrest.

The police stated they are conducting thorough preparations to address security, public order, traffic, and election integrity challenges before, during, and after the elections, deploying forces accordingly based on ongoing assessments.