Lapid Recounts 'Arrogant, Bored' Netanyahu Meeting Before Oct. 7

Opposition leader Yair Lapid recounted a security briefing with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu weeks before the October 7th Hamas attacks, stating he was "horrified" by the intelligence presented and by Netanyahu's apparent indifference. Lapid described Netanyahu as being in a state of "hubris" and "bored" by the warnings of an impending escalation, particularly concerning Gaza and the potential for a multi-front conflict.

Lapid held an unusual press conference on September 20, 2023, two weeks before the attack, to warn of a "terrible" event, a warning he attributes to the intelligence he received from Netanyahu. He stated that while others were focused on the government's judicial overhaul, he felt compelled to alert the public to the severe security threats.

In the interview with ynet's "120 and One" podcast, Lapid elaborated on his shock, noting that any other prime minister, including past versions of Netanyahu, would have been alarmed by the intelligence. He suggested Netanyahu's current mindset prevented him from recognizing the danger, despite clear indications of rising threats from terror organizations seeing an opportunity.

Lapid asserted that the intelligence was on the table, and that warnings were also issued by the IDF Chief of Staff, the head of the Shin Bet, and reportedly by the UAE and Egypt. He emphasized that while the security apparatus failed, the intelligence itself was presented to the prime minister, who he claims ignored it, possibly due to his preoccupation with the judicial overhaul.

Netanyahu's office has stated he will sue Lapid over these claims and denies any record of the specific meeting or the UAE representative's visit. The article also references a rare joint statement by leaders of the "Change Bloc" demanding the public know what Netanyahu knew prior to October 7th.