Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks about possible attacks ahead of the general elections planned for October 27 and accused Netanyahu of stoking security fears.
During a visit to the Tel Nof Air Base in central Israel on Tuesday, Netanyahu said there were “signs” that the country’s enemies could attempt an attack before the election. Netanyahu did not provide information about the possible attacker or explain the content of the warnings.
After Netanyahu said, “Do not test us. Our long arm will reach you anywhere and at any time,” Lapid requested a security briefing. Netanyahu initially rejected the request but later agreed to meet with Lapid; the two men met for a security briefing.
After the meeting, Lapid said security threats should be handled “professionally and responsibly.” He said Israel’s security forces and military bases should not be used as props in election campaign videos.
Lapid argued that Netanyahu had not raised any warnings before October 7, 2023, but had suddenly turned to fear-based rhetoric 28 days before the election. He was referring to Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
Lapid said the Israel Defense Forces, the Shin Bet security agency and the police were prepared for the election, adding that there was no reason to create panic among the public.
Lapid also called for a security meeting attended by Netanyahu, Shin Bet chief David Zini and Central Elections Committee chairman Noam Sohlberg. He requested that the meeting be held to coordinate security preparations ahead of the election.
Netanyahu’s office confirmed that detailed warnings about possible attacks from multiple fronts before the election had been presented during the briefing. The office made no further statement about the content of the warnings.
