Israeli PM Netanyahu says he is not seeking to attack Iran again before Israel election

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ​said on Wednesday (October 14, 2026) that he was not in favour of a preemptive strike ‌against Iran before Israel’s October 27 election but also warned ​Tehran and its proxies against striking Israel.

“It is not ⁠convenient for us, it’s no good,” Mr. Netanyahu said in an interview on Israel’s Army Radio, when asked about the possibility of a preemptive strike and allegations by ‌his political rivals that he was seeking a military confrontation ahead of the election.

“Even if Iran fires missiles at us ‌they will blame me,” Mr. Netanyahu said, though he also repeated ‌his ⁠previous warnings to Iran, saying Israel would respond forcefully if ⁠attacked.

He would not elaborate on the possibility of a preemptive strike after the election or about his recent discussions with Washington about Iran.