Israeli election officials are bracing for an unprecedented threat on election morning. In recent weeks, reports and intelligence assessments have escalated in recent weeks indicating that Iran plans to disrupt Israel's upcoming election, with Central Elections Committee Chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg already holding dedicated discussions on the threat, and now Israel Hayom has learned that among the extreme contingency plans under review by the Central Elections Committee is an Iranian missile barrage targeted for the morning of October 27 as polling sites open nationwide for the 26th Knesset, designed to spread panic and sabotage Israel's democratic process.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has similarly issued two explicit warnings – including Tuesday during a field tour in Samaria – regarding potential attempts by hostile states to strike Israel before and during the vote.
A little over two weeks ago, during a visit to Tel Nof Airbase Netanyahu said, "There are signs that as elections approach, our enemies will try to attack us. I am sending you a message, do not mess with us. Our long arm will reach you anywhere and at any time." Opposition Leader, MK Yair Lapid, demanded immediate clarifications, prompting a high-level security briefing between the two leaders hours later. During a tour Tuesday along the seam line in Samaria, Netanyahu reiterated that same warning.
Addressing security threats during a ceremony dedicating the Irgun Museum Defense Minister Israel Katz said, "We identify attempts by our enemies, led by Iran and its proxies, to advance terror attacks that will influence the election results in Israel. In the face of these attempts, we must present a stance of unity and a clear statement that political dispute will not compromise our shared standing against our enemy."
The Central Elections Committee said the following in response to Israel Hayom's inquiry: "The Central Elections Committee is preparing, as always, for any scenario, including emergency scenarios. The committee has contingency plans for every scenario so that voters know elections will be conducted in accordance with the law. At this time, a special situation on the home front is in effect under the Civil Defense Law, so the committee is obligated to map out all protected spaces and security measures in every region."
