Netanyahu Warns of Election-Eve Attack; Lapid Demands Security Briefing

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning Tuesday, stating that "there are signs that ahead of the elections, our enemies will try to attack us." Speaking from the Tel Nof Air Force base, Netanyahu declared, "From here, from the Air Force base, from the long arm of the State of Israel, I deliver a message to you: Do not mess with us, not now and not ever. Our long arm will reach you anywhere, anytime."

In response, Opposition leader Yair Lapid requested an urgent security briefing from Netanyahu's office to understand the nature of these threats and the government's preparedness to ensure the elections proceed without disruption. Lapid criticized Netanyahu, remarking, "When there are elections, he suddenly takes warnings seriously." Netanyahu agreed to Lapid's request, scheduling a security briefing for 11:30 PM, which will also include Military Secretary Maj. Gen. Guy Marckison.

Lapid further called for a four-way meeting involving Netanyahu, Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar, and Central Elections Committee Chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg. Lapid's office stated that when a prime minister publicly announces a threat that could disrupt elections, all relevant parties must receive a full update on the situation and the measures being taken to safeguard the democratic process.

Earlier, the Prime Minister's office had stated that Netanyahu regularly holds security briefings with Lapid, with the last one occurring two weeks prior. Following Lapid's request, Netanyahu instructed his military secretary to update the opposition leader on recent developments. Meanwhile, Netanyahu is expected to hold a separate security discussion with defense establishment leaders.

Opposition parties, including Yisrael Beiteinu and the Democratic Party, echoed concerns, suggesting Netanyahu's warnings might be politically motivated to disrupt the elections. Yisrael Beiteinu's leader, Avigdor Lieberman, explicitly stated Netanyahu might initiate a war for political reasons. Yair Golan accused Netanyahu of seeking to create a security crisis for political gain, potentially to delay or disrupt the elections.

The "Yash Atid" party sent a legal notice to Netanyahu and the Likud party, demanding the removal of a video featuring Netanyahu at the Tel Nof base within four hours. They argue that using military assets for election propaganda is an improper use of public resources and creates an association between the IDF and Netanyahu's campaign. The party warned of further legal action if the video is not removed.