Netanyahu Warns of Pre-Election Attacks, Opposition Demands Clarity

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Israel could face attacks from its enemies as elections approach, citing "indications that our enemies will try to attack us before the elections." Netanyahu made these remarks during a visit to air force crews and pilots at the Tel Nof Air Force base, stating, "From here, from the Air Force base, and from the long arm of the State of Israel, I say: Do not mess with us, not now and not in general. Our long arm will reach you anywhere, anytime." He also mentioned "enormous pressure" to abandon recent achievements, asserting, "I will not allow that to happen."

Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yisrael Sheli party, responded to Netanyahu's statements, demanding clarification on the security threats. Eisenkot stated that if the intelligence regarding these threats is accurate, opposition leader Yair Lapid must be immediately briefed. The purpose of this briefing, Eisenkot explained, is "to ensure that this is a real threat, and not a political move aimed at harming the election process."

Eisenkot emphasized the critical need to separate security matters from politics during the election period. "It is strictly forbidden to mix Israel's security with the electoral system, even in appearance only," he stressed.