Lapid Shifts Focus on Security Threats After Netanyahu Briefing

Opposition leader Yair Lapid has altered his stance on security threats following a briefing from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Earlier, Lapid had questioned the validity of Netanyahu's warnings about potential attacks ahead of elections, asking if the threats were real. After receiving the security update from Netanyahu, Lapid no longer expressed doubt about the existence of the threats, instead focusing his criticism on how they were presented to the public.

Netanyahu had issued an unusual warning, citing signs that Israel's enemies might attempt attacks as elections approach. Lapid initially responded with skepticism, sarcastically noting Netanyahu's alleged past disregard for warnings before October 7th and his sudden seriousness about threats during election periods. Lapid requested the security briefing to ascertain the reality of these threats.

Following the briefing, Lapid stated that while he would not breach confidentiality, security threats require professional and responsible handling, not use as props for election videos. He emphasized that such updates should come from professional bodies like the IDF and Shin Bet, not a politician's social media account during an election campaign. Lapid reiterated his criticism that Netanyahu, who he claimed ignored warnings before October 7th, was now using fear tactics 28 days before an election.

Lapid shifted his critique to argue that presenting security threats in a way that causes public panic is inappropriate. He also linked the security concerns to personnel shortages in the IDF, suggesting that if Netanyahu were truly concerned, he would facilitate the enlistment of 15,000 Haredi men. Lapid concluded that the security situation should not be used as an excuse to postpone the elections, which he asserted would proceed as scheduled.

Additionally, Lapid requested a four-way meeting involving the head of the Shin Bet and the chairman of the Central Elections Committee to ensure coordination regarding the elections.