Military Warns of Threat, Urges Readiness Amid Government Security Briefing

A senior military official has alerted Israeli cabinet ministers to an identified threat, emphasizing the need for preparedness without predicting immediate escalation. "We are identifying a threat, it doesn't mean we will be fighting tomorrow morning, but we need to be ready," the official stated during a security briefing for ministers.

This warning follows an unusual statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that prompted a strong reaction from the opposition, which subsequently demanded and received a security update. Sources indicate that Netanyahu's declaration was based on intelligence from the security establishment, unrelated to his recent brief trip to Abu Dhabi.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid had initially requested a four-way briefing involving the Prime Minister, Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, and Central Elections Committee chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg. In response, Netanyahu's office initially stated that his military secretary would brief Lapid. However, a meeting between Netanyahu and Lapid was eventually scheduled for 11:30 PM.