Netanyahu, Lapid to Meet Amid Election Interference Warnings and IDF Manpower Crisis

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has demanded a security briefing from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following warnings of potential election interference. Lapid requested clarification on the nature and reality of these threats and the state's preparedness to ensure the elections proceed without disruption. A meeting between the two leaders has been scheduled for 11:30 PM.

Netanyahu's office stated that the Prime Minister regularly holds security briefings with Lapid, with the last one occurring on September 14th. They also confirmed that Netanyahu had instructed his military secretary to update the opposition leader on recent developments.

Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett issued a stark warning about the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) readiness, stating that the army could "simply collapse" if the issue of ultra-Orthodox conscription is not addressed in the upcoming Knesset term. Bennett claimed the IDF is short approximately 20,000 combat soldiers, a deficit he asserted is already impacting operational capabilities and soldier safety.

Bennett criticized Netanyahu's government, accusing it of encouraging mass draft evasion while soldiers are in need of reinforcement. He questioned the effectiveness of fighting enemies if the IDF is being undermined. Bennett's party has pledged to work towards broader conscription and strengthening the military.