Netanyahu says he is not seeking to attack Iran again before Israel election

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that he is not in favor of a preemptive strike against Iran before Israel's October 27 election. He emphasized that such an action is not in their best interest and warned Iran and its proxies against attacking Israel. Netanyahu acknowledged the potential blame he would face if Iran were to fire missiles at them.

He reaffirmed Israel's commitment to respond forcefully if attacked but did not provide further details on a preemptive strike after the election or his recent discussions with Washington regarding Iran.

The United States and Iran have been at war since February 28 when both nations launched attacks on each other, with Tehran responding to US-Israeli strikes with its own. Since then, Israel and Iran have not engaged in direct combat. When asked if Israel is assisting Saudi Arabia against attacks by the Yemeni Houthis, Netanyahu declined to comment, stating that he only focuses on matters within his control.

He affirmed that multiple Middle Eastern countries are seeking his support due to Israel's success and accomplishments.

Defence Minister Israel Katz warned Hezbollah against launching attacks on Israel before the election. He threatened that Hezbollah would suffer severe consequences, losing additional territories in southern Lebanon and becoming part of Israel's permanent security zone. Katz anticipated that Hezbollah would be displaced and that its stronghold in Beirut would not be spared.

In response to the growing Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, Katz emphasized the IDF's readiness to execute a maneuver, though he refrained from elaborating further.