Israel prepares for Iranian attack on election day morning

The Central Elections Committee is preparing for an extreme scenario in which Iran launches a missile attack on Israel on the morning of election day, 27 October, according to a report published Wednesday in Yisrael Hayom. The concern, according to reporter Bini Ashkenazi, is that the barrage would begin as polling stations open, with the aim of spreading fear among the public and disrupting the democratic process.

Supreme Court Justice Noam Solberg, who chairs the Central Elections Committee, has already held meetings and discussions on the matter. It is one of several extreme scenarios being examined by the committee, against the background of growing assessments in recent weeks that Iran may attempt to interfere with Israel's election.

Solberg at the Central Elections Committee (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

The report comes after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned in recent weeks of the possibility that Israel's enemies would attempt to attack the country in the lead-up to and during the election.

Just over two weeks ago, during a tour of the Tel Nof air force base, Netanyahu said: "There are signs that our enemies will try to attack us around the elections. I am sending you a message: don't mess with us. Our long arm will reach you anywhere and at any time."

Following those remarks, opposition leader Yair Lapid demanded clarification from Netanyahu. Several hours later the two met, and the prime minister gave Lapid a security briefing. During a tour yesterday along the seam line in the Shomron, Netanyahu again warned of the possibility that Israel's enemies would attempt to attack around the election.

Defence Minister Israel Katz also addressed the security threats during a ceremony dedicating the Etzel Museum and the Altalena cannon, warning of attempts by Iran and its proxies to influence the outcome of Israel's election.

"We are identifying attempts by our enemies, led by Iran and its proxies, to advance terror attacks that will affect the results of the elections in Israel. In the face of these attempts, we must present a position of unity and a clear statement that political disagreement will not harm our joint stand against our enemy," Katz said.