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