Netanyahu Opposes Iran Strike Before Israel Election

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on October 14 that he opposed launching a preemptive strike against Iran before Israel’s October 27 election, describing the timing as “not convenient.” He also warned that Israel would respond forcefully if Iran or its regional allies attacked. In an interview with Army Radio, Netanyahu rejected accusations by political rivals that he was seeking a confrontation with Iran ahead of the vote. He said Iran-linked groups might attempt attacks before election day and argued that, even if Iran fired missiles at Israel, opponents would blame him. His comments addressed the period before the election; he declined to discuss whether a strike might be considered afterward or provide details about recent discussions with Washington. Reports about possible conversations between Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump over renewed military action remain disputed. One account said the leaders discussed the possibility and that a U.S. official described Trump as encouraging preparations without committing to authorization. The White House said the two leaders had not discussed resuming the war.