DM Katz: 'No intention of initiating an attack on Iran before the elections'

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stressed that Israel has no intention of striking Iran ahead of the elections on Tuesday, while warning of a harsh response if the regime attacked Israel.

In a statement denying reports of "differences between the political leadership and the IDF on the issue of Iran," Katz claimed that there had been "complete" coordination between him, the prime minister and the IDF on the Iran issue.

"I state unequivocally that Israel had no intention of initiating an attack on Iran before the elections in Israel. We made it clear that if Iran attacks Israel, we will respond with great force. All reports on this matter are completely false," Katz said.

"The opposition’s attempt to exploit these reports to attack the prime minister and me and cast doubt on our judgment—at a time when, for understandable reasons, we are unable to discuss the details of the Iranian issue—is shameful and irresponsible."