Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Tuesday that Iran and its proxies are trying to orchestrate terror attacks designed to deliberately influence Israel’s election results. Speaking at a dedication ceremony for the Etzel Museum and Altalena cannon, Katz made clear that Israel’s security establishment will act against any threat regardless of the election calendar or political considerations—and warned that anyone who dares harm IDF soldiers or Israeli civilians will face severe consequences.
In his speech, the defense minister detailed the threats identified in the field: “We are identifying attempts by our enemies, led by Iran and its proxies, to advance attacks that will influence Israel’s election results.”
1+Against the backdrop of these tensions and challenges, Katz called on all ranks to maintain deep unity in the face of external security threats, despite the political disputes typical of an election period: “In the face of these attempts, we must present a position of unity and a clear statement that political disagreement will not harm our shared stance against our enemies.”
The defense minister made clear going forward that the IDF and security forces will continue to stand guard protecting the state according to operational requirements on the ground, and that no political or electoral timetable will determine how decisions are made: “Together with the IDF and security forces, we will act to defend the state at all times and wherever required. Decisions will be made according to security needs, independent of any other consideration.”
1+He closed with a particularly forceful message to Tehran and Israel’s other enemies: “Let our enemies know: anyone who attacks us, before the elections or after, and anyone who harms IDF soldiers or Israeli civilians—his hand will be cut off and he will pay the heaviest price.”
Katz’s remarks connect directly to a warning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued earlier during a visit to the seam line in Samaria, where he addressed intelligence warnings about the possibility of a deliberate security escalation ahead of the elections. Netanyahu made clear that the IDF is prepared for various extreme scenarios, including “game-changing” scenarios, and added that organized operational action plans have been presented to him. In his words: “I don’t suggest our enemies try us. You’ll meet a force here you never dreamed of.”