Netanyahu Rejects Preemptive Iran Strike Ahead of Israel Election

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that he opposes launching a preemptive military strike against Iran before Israel’s October 27 election, while warning Tehran and its regional allies that any attack on Israel would trigger a powerful response.

Speaking to Israel’s Army Radio, Netanyahu dismissed accusations from political opponents that he was considering military action against Iran to influence the upcoming election.

"It is not convenient for us, it’s no good," Netanyahu said when questioned about a potential preemptive strike.

He also suggested that political rivals would hold him responsible for any escalation, even if Iran initiated the attack.

"Even if Iran fires missiles at us they will blame me," Netanyahu said.

However, the Israeli leader declined to discuss whether military action could become an option after the election or provide details about recent consultations with Washington regarding Iran.

The United States and Iran have been engaged in war since February 28, when American and Israeli forces launched attacks against Iran, prompting retaliatory strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries. Israel and Iran have not exchanged direct fire since June.

Netanyahu also warned that Iranian-backed groups could attempt attacks on Israel before voters head to the polls.

Meanwhile, tensions across the Middle East remain elevated as Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement intensifies attacks against Saudi Arabia. A strike on Riyadh airport Saturday killed 13 people.

Asked whether Israel was helping Saudi Arabia counter Houthi attacks, Netanyahu declined to provide specifics but said several Middle Eastern countries were seeking Israeli assistance following its military achievements.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz separately issued a strong warning to Hezbollah during a visit to Israeli-controlled territory in southern Lebanon.

Katz threatened additional military operations if the Iran-backed Lebanese group attacked Israel, saying Hezbollah could lose more territory around Nabatieh and the Litani River as Israel expands its permanent security zone.

He also warned that renewed fighting could displace approximately one million Shi’ite residents and bring attacks against Hezbollah positions in Beirut.

Israel launched airstrikes and a ground offensive in southern Lebanon earlier this year after Hezbollah attacked Israel in retaliation for strikes against Iran.

The conflict has already displaced hundreds of thousands of Lebanese residents, raising concerns about another major escalation along Israel’s northern border.