Netanyahu says he is not planning a pre‑emptive strike on Iran before Israel's election

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told listeners on Israel’s Army Radio on Wednesday that he was not planning a pre‑emptive strike against Iran before the country’s national election on Oct. 27. He said a pre‑emptive attack “is not convenient for us, it’s no good,” and rejected accusations from political rivals that his government was seeking a military confrontation ahead of the vote.

Netanyahu also warned Tehran and its regional proxies that any missile launch against Israel would be met with a forceful response. “Even if Iran fires missiles at us they will blame me,” he said, reiterating his earlier statements that Israel would act decisively if attacked. He declined to discuss whether Israel might consider a pre‑emptive strike after the election.

The prime minister did not provide details on possible post‑election actions or on recent discussions with Washington regarding Iran. He said he could not elaborate on those matters, leaving the timing and nature of any future Israeli response to Iranian activity unclear.

The remarks come amid an ongoing state of conflict between the United States and Iran that began on Feb. 28, when U.S. and Israeli forces struck Iranian targets and Tehran retaliated against Israel and Gulf states. According to the latest reports, the two sides have not exchanged fire since June.

When asked about Israel’s role in supporting Saudi Arabia against attacks by the Iran‑aligned Yemeni Houthis, Netanyahu said he does not comment on such matters. He noted that many countries in the Middle East are increasingly looking to Israel following what he described as the nation’s “massive success and tremendous achievements.”