Security Official Contradicts Netanyahu's 'Urgent' Meeting Claim

A security official contradicted the Prime Minister's Office's claim that an "urgent" meeting with the limited cabinet was convened, stating instead that the session was scheduled a week in advance and was not an emergency meeting. This comes as a senior IDF official confirmed there is "no specific warning" regarding any security threat. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with opposition leader Yair Lapid later tonight. Netanyahu had previously stated at the Tel Nof Air Force base that "there are signs our enemies will try to attack us ahead of the elections." Lapid had requested a security briefing to understand the veracity of these threats.

The Prime Minister's Office stated that security update meetings with the opposition leader are held regularly, with the last one occurring two weeks prior, and that the military secretary was instructed to update Lapid. In response, Lapid demanded a four-way meeting with Netanyahu, Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, and election committee chair Judge Noam Sohlberg. Lapid argued that if the Prime Minister publicly states there is a threat that could disrupt elections, all involved parties must receive a full update on the situation and the steps being taken to ensure the democratic process.

From the National Unity party, Gadi Eisenkot's "The State Party" commented that if Netanyahu's statements about security threats are accurate, the opposition leader must be immediately updated to verify if the threat is real or a political maneuver to interfere with the elections, emphasizing that Israel's security should not be mixed with election campaigns.

Democratic Party chairman Yair Golan stated that the Israeli public cannot trust Netanyahu when he claims his motives are not political. Golan asserted that if security threats exist, Netanyahu should reveal them to the opposition leader and account to the public, suggesting Netanyahu fears losing the election and should not use national security to disrupt it.

Netanyahu made his remarks during a visit to the Tel Nof Air Force base, issuing a message to Israel's enemies not to engage with the country, stating that Israel's "long arm" would reach them anywhere, anytime. He highlighted recent operations, including the elimination of the terrorist who kidnapped Noa Argamani and Avinatan Or, and the killing of a Hamas brigade commander in the Gaza Strip, along with over 100 terrorists in Gaza and actions in Lebanon. Netanyahu also spoke of immense achievements but also immense pressures to withdraw and concede gains, which he vowed not to allow.