Netanyahu Warns of Election-Eve Attacks Amid Security Assessment

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a security assessment Tuesday evening following his earlier warning that "signs indicate our enemies will try to attack ahead of the elections." The meeting, held at Netanyahu's office, focused on threats from Iran, Gaza, and Lebanon, as Israel faces a sensitive security period just one month before elections.

While the defense establishment has been preparing extensively for various scenarios, the military currently lacks concrete intelligence that alters the existing threat assessment. The IDF acknowledges the possibility of escalation across multiple fronts and is preparing accordingly, emphasizing the necessity of readiness and avoiding risks.

Netanyahu's initial warning came earlier on Tuesday from the Tel Nof Air Force base, where he stated, "There are signs that ahead of the elections, our enemies will try to attack us." He issued a direct threat, "I am sending you a message, do not mess with us. Our long arm will reach you anywhere, anytime."

In response to Netanyahu's remarks, opposition leader Yair Lapid requested an urgent security briefing, which is scheduled for 11:30 PM. The security discussion preceded this meeting.

Former Prime Minister and leader of the "Achinu" party, Naftali Bennett, also issued a warning, stating, "While all these warnings are coming from the enemy, the IDF is on the verge of collapse." He criticized Netanyahu's policies regarding military conscription, questioning who would fight potential attackers if the IDF is weakened by mass draft evasion and a shortage of soldiers. Bennett cited the Chief of Staff's concerns about a deficit of 20,000 combat soldiers, accusing Netanyahu, Deri, and Smotrich of ignoring these issues and dismantling the IDF.