Netanyahu Warns of Election-Eve Attacks; Opposition Demands Clarity

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Tuesday that there are "signs that our enemies will try to attack us" as elections approach. Speaking from the Tel Nof Air Force base, Netanyahu issued a filmed warning, "I am giving you a message, do not mess with us. Our long arm will reach you anywhere, anytime."

In response, Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the opposition National Unity party, stated that if Netanyahu's security concerns are genuine, he "must immediately update opposition leader Yair Lapid" to ensure the threat is real and not a political maneuver aimed at influencing the election. Eisenkot emphasized that Israel's security should not be intertwined with the election campaign, even for appearances.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, whose party is allied with Lapid, announced he would deliver a statement later that evening. Lapid himself commented that Netanyahu "suddenly takes warnings seriously when there are elections."

Ofer Winter, leader of the 'Am Israel Hay' party, questioned the government's inaction, stating, "The Prime Minister says now that there are signs they will try to attack us in the coming days. Defense Minister Israel Katz says they will try to abduct a soldier in Gaza. Why the hell are we waiting?! Enough containment, enough rounds, he who comes to kill you, rise early to kill him. Why are we waiting?"

Winter further criticized the current approach, advocating for decisive action rather than waiting. "We achieved tremendous achievements in this war at the heavy price of our fighters, no doubt. But again and again, and even now after three years without a decision, we prove that we are still prisoners of a concept. Get out of it, dismantle them now, don't wait. Under our watch, this will not happen. We will come to decide, to dismantle them, not to wait, to initiate. We will empty the pool and bring about migration, bring about a decision. What was will not be."

This statement contrasts with Netanyahu's remarks just three weeks prior, where he stated Iran was refraining from attacking Israel and knew why, warning of severe retaliation if they made a mistake. He had also described Israel as "stronger than ever" and its enemies as "weaker than ever," citing achievements in deterring existential threats and striking the Iranian axis.