Iran has declared that the outcome of Israel’s parliamentary elections is not decisive for Tehran, according to a statement from the Iranian foreign ministry issued just a day before the vote that could impact Prime Minister Benjamin Netanjahu’s political future. Israeli officials, meanwhile, have warned of possible hostile actions by Iran and its allies. However, Defense Minister Yisrael Katz emphasized that Israel had no intention of attacking Iran ahead of the elections.
Tehran Claims Israeli Election Outcome Will Not Change Policy
Speaking at a press conference, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said that Iran does not care who forms the next Israeli government after the elections.
According to Baghaei, Israeli policy toward the region remains a problem for Tehran regardless of the specific election winner. Iran has long criticized Israeli military operations and accuses Israeli leaders of violence against Palestinians and other actors in the region.
The statement comes at a time of heightened tension between the two countries. In recent years, Israel and Iran have repeatedly clashed directly or indirectly, and their rivalry involves armed groups active throughout the broader Middle East.
Netanjahu Warns of Possible Attempts to Disrupt the Election
On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanjahu warned that Iran and its allies might try to influence or disrupt the election process. Tehran was urged to avoid hostile actions.
Israeli television channel N12 also reported that Netanjahu and Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir had a dispute regarding a planned military measure that could have increased tensions with Iran shortly before the vote.
These reports were based on anonymous sources, and at the time of publication, all details were not independently confirmed. The existence of such reports does not mean that a planned military operation was really set to occur.
Israel Says No Attack on Iran Before Election
Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz stated on Monday that Israel would not attack Iran before the elections. He also warned, however, that if Iran were to initiate an attack, Israel would respond forcefully.
Katz called reports of a possible planned attack irresponsible and rejected suggestions that the government was preparing a military operation to influence the political situation ahead of the vote.
His comments were seen as an attempt to calm tensions in the run-up to the elections. However, tension remains high as both countries accuse each other of hostile activities, and their security interests clash across other parts of the Middle East.
Netanjahu Risks Losing Parliamentary Majority
The Israeli election could determine whether Netanjahu retains enough support to form a new government. His main challenger is former Israeli army chief Gadi Eizenkot.
Pre-election polls indicated a tight race between the ruling bloc and the main opposition forces. However, the outcome cannot be predicted solely from polls, which only reflect public sentiment at a specific time and may differ from the actual vote.
Israeli politics are also shaped by security questions, ongoing conflicts, and relations with the United States. The election results may thus have implications not only for domestic policy but also for future decisions on national security strategy.
Tensions Between Israel and Iran Remain High
Relations between Israel and Iran have for years been marked by rivalry, mutual threats, and support for opposing actors in regional conflicts. Israel regards Iran’s military and missile programs as a security threat, while Tehran criticizes Israeli military operations and the country’s cooperation with the United States.
Pre-election rhetoric may therefore increase fears of escalation, though such statements do not mean an immediate military strike is imminent. The next developments will depend on the election results, decisions by Israel’s leadership, and Iran’s response.
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This article was translated from the original Slovak version with the assistance of AI.
