Axios says Israel told Washington action was an exercise and show of force; Israeli defense officials said to warn IDF chief to prevent an unnecessary strike before election

IDF opens some 850 polling stations, including mobile sites in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria, as October 27 election day approaches

Former Mossad head Yossi Cohen, ex-defense chief Moshe Yaalon among those summoned under warning; IDF chief Zamir, ex-president Rivlin also to give testimony, but not as suspects

Katz: 'Star Wars, made in Israel'; division will oversee force buildup and operations beyond earth; military also selects heads of new Robotics Division and revived tank brigade

Eyal Zamir instructs military to have more senior officers present in command centers; West Bank forces boosted, but seen unlikely to thwart settler violence

Prosecutors also launch investigation of 11 senior military, police and prison officials as suspects; if probe determines charges are warranted, Italy could lodge request for trial

Zamir urges 'readiness on every front' during 'sensitive period' of West Bank olive harvest and run-up to Israeli election; PM says Iran’s regime ‘must go,’ doubts it will fall before Israelis vote on Oct. 27