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

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran and its allies might attempt to interfere with Tuesday's Israeli elections, urging them not to "test" Israel. The premier, who has emphasized his security track record, claimed Iran and its proxies could launch attacks to disrupt the vote, vowing that Israel's military is prepared for both defensive and offensive actions.

Netanyahu also released an AI-generated image depicting a mushroom cloud over Tel Aviv alongside a statement from a right-wing commentator labeling Iran as an existential threat. During the campaign, Netanyahu has frequently made aggressive national security statements, including directing Israel's security forces to topple Iran's clerical state and promising to "finish the job" with Iran's leadership.

US President Donald Trump reportedly discussed the possibility of making a deal with Tehran or resuming attacks on Iran with Israeli officials during their recent phone call. With US forces, including an aircraft carrier group, moving towards the Persian Gulf, officials suggest the period between the election and the new Congress could be particularly volatile, with a negotiated deal viewed as the most likely path to resolving the conflict.