Israel Votes Amid Iran and Palestinian Threats; Trump Backs Netanyahu
Israel heads to the polls Tuesday facing dual threats from Iran and Palestinian militants, with Prime Minister Netanyahu making Tehran the centerpiece of his campaign. President Trump ruled out a U.S. strike on Iran and repeated his endorsement of Netanyahu. Iran is reportedly planning to assassinate American diplomats, prompting Washington to reduce embassy staff across the Middle East. Netanyahu warned enemies against disrupting the election, promising "disproportionate blows," while Israeli forces conducted house-to-house searches in Hebron after Palestinian gunmen killed two soldiers. Trump touted economic pressure on Iran, noting its inflation and financial struggles, while CENTCOM declared Strait of Hormuz shipping lanes clear of mines. Netanyahu proposed cryptocurrency to counter potential banking sanctions, though Israel's Central Bank dismissed that option.