IDF chief warns of ‘potential for escalation’ across all fronts, decries settler violence

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir on Wednesday warned of a possible security escalation “across all fronts” ahead of the October 27 elections, while calling for settler violence against Palestinians to be “eradicated using every tool available to the State of Israel.” Zamir’s comments came as he visited Central Command headquarters in the West Bank alongside its head, Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth, “In light of the numerous alerts across all fronts and the sensitivity of this period, the potential for escalation has increased,” Zamir said, noting that the 98th Division has been deployed to the West Bank to boost the IDF presence there. “During this sensitive period, we must maintain vigilance and readiness on every front, preserve freedom of action and thwart threats quickly,” the IDF chief said. “We are pursuing and fighting terrorism everywhere. The IDF is at a high level of readiness to transition to broad offensive operations against any party that attempts to harm Israeli civilians.” Zamir noted that the “sensitive period” included the ongoing olive harvest in the West Bank, which is often a time of heightened settler attacks against Palestinian farmers. Get The Times of Israel's Daily Edition by email and never miss our top stories Newsletter email address Get it By signing up, you agree to the terms “The IDF will continue to act to enable the harvest to take place while maintaining public order and the security of all populations in the area,” Zamir said. “Harming and committing violence against innocent people does not reflect the Israeli spirit or the Jewish spirit. [Such actions] must be condemned and eradicated using every tool available to the State of Israel.” An activist tries to block the movement of an Israeli settler, right, after he entered a Palestinian olive grove during the olive harvest in the West Bank town of Turmus Ayya, October 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) Zamir did not specify other potential hot spots, with his comments coming amid warnings by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Iran could try to disrupt the national vote by attacking Israel directly or through the terror groups Hamas in the Gaza Strip, or Hezbollah in Lebanon. In a television interview Wednesday, Netanyahu reiterated that overthrowing Iran’s regime was essential for Israel, while adding he does not expect it to fall before the upcoming election and saying US President Donald Trump “understands the threat” posed by the regime. Netanyahu said earlier in the day it would not be “convenient” to attack Iran ahead of the election later this month, a day after a TV report that he pressed Trump to resume fighting against the Islamic Republic before then. Advertisement Asked by the Kan public broadcaster whether the regime could fall before Israelis head to the polls, Netanyahu said: “No, I don’t think that’s realistic.” “This regime must go,” he insisted, warning that Iran’s leadership will continue seeking Israel’s destruction as long as it remains in power. “It’s either us or them. I’ll make sure it’s them and not us — that they’re the ones who fall.” Netanyahu also stressed his close relationship with Trump, saying he speaks with him “all the time.” “I don’t usually share [what’s said in private conversations], but I can tell you that he certainly understands the threat posed by this regime,” Netanyahu said. A screenshot from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s interview with the Kan public broadcaster on October 14, 2026. (YouTube screenshot) The premier repeated an argument he has made in the past that his relationship with Trump will be critical during the remaining two years of the US president’s term, questioning whether political rival Gadi Eisenkot could work as effectively with him. While Netanyahu hast touted his ties to the US president, Trump has remained coy when pressed recently about whether he will make an endorsement in the closely fought race, claiming Tuesday the issue was not a priority when asked why he has yet to do so. “We haven’t even thought about it. I may be doing something,” Trump said. Help us report truthfully on social media As a multimedia journalist, my job is to take the quality, fact-based journalism produced by The Times of Israel newsroom and make it accessible across every platform — from Instagram posts to podcasts to short-form videos. This is how many, especially young people, consume news these days. But misinformation is rampant on social media. Our team at ToI produces accurate, responsible short-form reporting on Israel and the Jewish world. If you believe in the importance of factual social media journalism , please consider joining our reader support group, The Times of Israel Community. Your financial support is essential to sustain responsible multimedia reporting. — Gabriella Jacobs, multimedia journalist Support our work Support our work Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this You're a dedicated reader We’re really pleased that you’ve read X Times of Israel articles in the past month. That’s why we started the Times of Israel - to provide discerning readers like you with must-read coverage of Israel and the Jewish world. So now we have a request. Unlike other news outlets, we haven’t put up a paywall. But as the journalism we do is costly, we invite readers for whom The Times of Israel has become important to help support our work by joining The Times of Israel Community. For as little as $6 a month you can help support our quality journalism while enjoying The Times of Israel AD-FREE , as well as accessing exclusive content available only to Times of Israel Community members. Thank you, David Horovitz, Founding Editor of The Times of Israel Join Our Community Join Our Community Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this Most Popular 1 Netanyahu reportedly pressed Trump to renew Iran fighting before Israeli and US elections 2 Small parties hovering around minimum vote threshold could determine Israel’s election 3 New York synagogue bids ‘sacred farewell’ to Holocaust memorial by Louise Nevelson 4 Op-ed: Two weeks to election Unless the opposition steps up its game, Netanyahu, the PM of Oct. 7, could yet survive this election 5 Ethiopian Airlines cargo flight denied landing in Israel, forced to turn around, due to Indonesian pilot 6 Ex-Shin Bet chief files defamation suit against Netanyahu, details warnings months before Oct. 7 7 Analysis Threats to NYPD’s pro-Israel commissioner are an inflection point for New York Jews 8 Netanyahu: Egyptian intel chief was in Israel before Oct. 7, didn’t meet with me read more: Israel & the Region 2026 Israeli election Eyal Zamir IDF Israel Defense Forces settler violence olive harvest Benjamin Netanyahu 2026 US-Israel war with Iran If you’d like to comment, join The Times of Israel Community. JOIN THE TOI COMMUNITY Already a member? Log in here close popup Sign in or Join The Times of Israel Community Sign in or Register Paying ToI Community members are invited to comment on articles Email address * Please use the following structure: [email protected] Continue Or Continue with By joining you agree to the terms and conditions Send me The Times of Israel Daily Edition back close popup Register to continue Email address * Change REGISTER Or Continue with back close popup Log in to continue Email address * Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.. Continue back close popup Sign in or Join The Times of Israel Community Sign in or Register You are currently registered. Please join The Times of Israel Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits Only ToI Community members can comment below articles Email address * Password * Incorrect password. Please try again or choose an option below. Forgot your password? / Send me a login link Continue Sign in without joining Or Continue with close popup Check your email We sent an email to you at . It has a link that will sign you in. Click the link in that email to complete registration so you can comment. back close popup Join The Times of Israel Community Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits. Email address * Please use the following structure: [email protected] JOIN NOW! close popup Thank you! Now check your email You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.