Striking Iran ahead of elections could constitute political interference, officials warn - report

Israeli security officials have warned the government against striking Iran at this time, saying that an attack could be perceived as political interference in the elections, Israel's public broadcaster KAN News reported Wednesday evening, citing two sources familiar with the matter.

The concerns were raised during discussions on Iran as the security establishment stepped up preparations for potential military action in recent weeks, including an exercise reportedly conducted over Iraq.

Despite the heightened preparations, sources familiar with the discussions said target readiness dates remained some way off.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly warned in recent weeks that Israel’s enemies could attempt to attack ahead of the elections.

Despite coalition warnings, opposition leader Yair Lapid challenged the need for immediate military action in an interview with KAN Reshet Bet on Thursday.

'No reason to strike Iran ahead of election,' Lapid challenges

“Based on the information available to me, there is absolutely no reason to attack Iran or anywhere else before the elections,” Lapid said.

“I am not saying we should not attack Iran,” he added, accusing Netanyahu of attempting to escalate tensions artificially.

“It won’t help him in the elections either, so I don’t understand why he is doing it. Elections in a democratic country are important and sacred, part of our strength, and there is no urgency that justifies dramatic action beforehand.”

Asked whether Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz were trying to provoke Iran with their statements, Lapid said the lack of information to justify the remarks suggested a political motive.

“Since there is no information that justifies these statements, the reason is political, like all the videos at military bases,” he said.

Lapid argued that his own position on striking Iran had been more aggressive than Netanyahu’s, saying he had advocated targeting the country’s economic foundations and infrastructure as early as April 2024.

“Even in April 2024, I said that attacking military facilities was not enough - that is cowardice. We need to attack Iran’s economic foundations and infrastructure, because that is the only thing that will bring down the regime,” he said.

However, he said such action should wait until after the elections, both because it required coordination with Washington and because a vote was approaching.

Ex-IAF chief: Striking Iran may not help tip scales toward regime change

Former Israel Air Force commander Maj.-Gen. (res.) Amikam Norkin also questioned whether a potential military campaign could achieve regime change.

Speaking to KAN Reshet Bet, Norkin said the military should help the country maintain stability during the election period.

“At times like these, the military needs to allow the country to manage the event taking place as smoothly as possible. Commanders are doing everything they can to preserve routine, which right now is an election routine,” he said.

“As a citizen and as a commander, I would not want to see Israel conducting an operation in Iran every six months or every year. This needs to end with a strategic achievement. A military operation as described in the media is not what will bring down the regime,” he added.