On Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video warning Iran that its proxies might attempt to sabotage the upcoming Israeli elections scheduled for Tuesday. He cited intelligence suggesting potential attacks aimed at disrupting the vote.
The warning follows Netanyahu's February launch of a joint war against the Islamic Republic, a campaign he has used to build his security credentials. He has positioned himself as the sole architect of the effort, claiming it will safeguard Israel's future.
Netanyahu said any ‘disruptive attacks’ would trigger ‘disproportionate blows’ and that the Israeli military was ready for both defensive and offensive operations. The statement came as the country readies for its largest electoral exercise in years.
The same day, he posted an AI‑generated mushroom cloud over Tel Aviv, coupled with a right‑wing commentator’s text that called Iran an existential threat. The image sparked debate over the use of AI to influence public sentiment.
Local resident Maya Shah, a bakery owner in Jaffa, said she hopes the elections will proceed peacefully. She noted that many citizens are anxious about potential disruptions but trust the security forces.
The elections are set to take place on Tuesday, with Israeli security forces on high alert. The Interior Ministry will announce results later that day, and observers will monitor any interference attempts.