Israeli army chief says troops reinforced on all fronts ahead of 27 October election

Right · 2Israel's army chief, Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir, said on 14 October that the military was reinforcing troop levels "across all fronts", citing an increased risk of escalation as the country heads into elections. 1 2 Right · 2Zamir spoke during a visit to the occupied West Bank. The election is on 27 October, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a tight race to stay in power. 1 2 Right · 2According to an Israeli military statement, Zamir said: "In light of the increased number of alerts across all fronts and the sensitivity of this period, the potential for escalation has grown. We have reinforced our forces across all areas." 1 2

Right · 2Zamir added that the military had raised its readiness level as it prepares for scenarios in which attempts may be made to catch it by surprise, and said it was at a high level of readiness to launch extensive offensive operations against anyone who attempts to harm Israeli civilians. 1 2 Right · 2The report notes that Israel recently marked the third anniversary of Hamas's 7 October attack. 1 2 Right · 2On the fronts, the report says that in Gaza, a year after a US-brokered ceasefire took effect, the Israeli army controls more than 60 per cent of the territory and its strikes are ongoing. In Lebanon, violence in the south has decreased since a framework agreement with Israel that includes Hezbollah's disarmament, but implementation has stalled. 1 2

Right · 2Israel has also faced incoming fire from Iran during the Middle East war, which began in February with US-Israeli strikes on Iran. 1 2