Netanyahu warns Iran may try to disrupt election, says 'don't test us'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Sunday that Iran and its allies might attempt to disrupt Tuesday's national elections, urging Iran not to test Israel's resolve. The premier has emphasized his security expertise, boasting about the war he waged against Iran in February alongside the United States. Netanyahu stated, "We have intelligence signs that our enemies, Iran and its proxies, could challenge us with attacks in order to disrupt the elections.

Don't test us. You will suffer disproportionate blows." He also added that Israel's military is prepared for both defensive and offensive operations.

Earlier, Netanyahu shared an AI-generated image of a mushroom cloud over Tel Aviv, along with text from a right-wing political commentator likening Iran to an existential threat. This image was intended to underscore the severity of the situation compared to other issues discussed during the election campaign. Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, has been dominating the final days of the election with hawkish statements on national security.

On Wednesday, he reportedly ordered Israel's security forces to topple Iran's clerical state. Earlier, Netanyahu spoke with US President Donald Trump by phone, pledging to "finish the job" together.