Israel Katz warns Iran and its proxies against attacks aimed at influencing Israel's election

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Tuesday that Israel has identified efforts by its enemies, led by Iran and its proxies, to carry out attacks intended to influence the outcome of the country's October 27 election.

"We are identifying attempts by our enemies, led by Iran and its proxies, to carry out terrorist attacks that will affect the outcome of the elections in Israel," Katz said.

He warned that Israel would respond severely to any attack before or after the vote. "Let our enemies know: Whoever attacks us before or after the elections will have their hand cut off and will pay the heaviest price."

Israeli officials have issued several warnings in recent days about possible attacks around the election. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said last week that Hamas could try to use attacks to influence the vote, while Israeli security officials have been on heightened alert ahead of the October 27 election.