Netanyahu, Katz's warnings of Iranian strikes could spur regime into attacking first, officials say

Israel has intelligence indicating that Iran and its proxies are considering attacks against Israel ahead of the elections, believing that a major security incident could undermine public confidence and influence the results, senior Israeli officials told Maariv on Thursday.According to the officials, public warnings by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz about potential attacks during the election period are intended primarily to deter Israel's enemies and prevent them from carrying out their plans.Netanyahu and Katz have repeatedly warned of a potential Iranian strike in the days leading up to the elections, with Katz saying that any attack would be the fault of the opposition for ignoring his warnings.Defense officials have expressed concern that repeated statements by political leaders about the possibility of an imminent attack, coupled with the extensive media coverage they have generated, could lead to a miscalculation by Iran.One concern is that Tehran could interpret the warnings as preparations for an Israeli attack and consequently decide to strike first.Despite a recent Financial Times report indicating that Israel canceled a planned strike on Iran earlier this month at US President Donald Trump's request, Netanyahu has denied that the IDF had planned to attack first.Likelihood of another confrontation with Iran growing, defense source saysA defense source told Walla that the sensitive period and the tense wait for decisions in the White House and Jerusalem center on the possibility of a strike against Iran."As time passes, it is increasingly likely that we will have to go through a confrontation with Iran. Everything could change, but between a reality in which we reach an agreement with Iran and one in which we attack, the likelihood of war is growing."There are two central questions: What will the Iranians do until then, and what will happen in parallel regarding the acceleration of various processes? We are prepared for all scenarios in coordination with the US and countries in the region."The source emphasized that the alert level remains extremely high, with the IDF's directorates, branches, and corps conducting situation assessments accordingly, alongside US Central Command (CENTCOM)."Coordination and updates take place daily," the source said.The source added that Israel is monitoring not only Tehran but also its proxies, amid concerns that Iran could force them to join the fighting if another military campaign breaks out.Concerns about an escalation triggered by miscalculation also explain the military officials have sought to calm public discourse and clarify that no specific intelligence warns of an imminent attack.Senior Israeli officials strongly rejected those briefings."We don't care what one official or another is briefing. The truth is different," they said.According to the officials, "The question that concerns us is whether the enemy will decide to attack or not. We know that they are currently considering this possibility. The statements by the prime minister and the defense minister are intended to deter them."The officials stressed that, in their view, the existence of intelligence concerning possible enemy intentions warrants public warnings, even without a specific intelligence alert regarding the timing or nature of an attack."If certain officials, including within the IDF, are giving briefings for political reasons, that's their problem. The reality is different," they said.Israeli fighter jet drills intensify amid possibility of confrontation with IranReports have also indicated an increase in Israeli fighter jet training exercises in the country's skies amid growing speculation about a possible military campaign against Iran.Israel's political leadership would have to order the IDF to strike targets across Iran to destroy remaining components of its nuclear program and defense industries producing ballistic missiles that threaten Israel's home front, with all the implications such an operation would entail.Defense officials assess that a decision on the matter will be made after the elections, depending on the results and in coordination with the US.Shir Perets contributed to this report.