Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz said: “We have identified signs of our enemies’ efforts, primarily the Islamic Republic and its proxy forces, to carry out terrorist attacks aimed at influencing the results of Israel’s elections.”

He added: “Together with the army and security forces, we will act to defend the country, at any time and in any place where necessary.”

Katz stressed: “Let our enemies know that whoever attacks us before or after the elections, and whoever harms Israel’s army soldiers or citizens, will have his hand cut off and will pay the heaviest price.”