Netanyahu Warns of Election-Eve Attacks, Agrees to Security Briefing with Lapid

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning on Tuesday, stating that "enemies are trying to attack us" ahead of the upcoming elections. Speaking during a visit to the Tel Nof airbase, Netanyahu asserted that Israel's "long arm will reach them anywhere, anytime," referencing recent Israeli military operations, including the elimination of terrorists involved in the abduction of Noa Argamani and Avitan Or, and the killing of a Hamas commander in Gaza. He noted that over 100 terrorists have been neutralized in Gaza in recent weeks, with operations also ongoing in Lebanon.

Following Netanyahu's remarks, opposition leader Yair Lapid demanded an urgent security update. Gadi Eisenkot, head of the opposition National Unity party, stated that if Netanyahu's security concerns are genuine, the opposition leader must be immediately briefed to ensure the threats are not politically motivated. Eisenkot emphasized that Israel's security should not be entangled with the election campaign, even for appearances.

Lapid's office contacted the Prime Minister's office, requesting clarification on the nature of the threats and the government's preparations to ensure the elections proceed without disruption. The Prime Minister's office confirmed that regular security briefings are held with Lapid, with the last one occurring on September 14th, and stated that Netanyahu had instructed his military secretary to update Lapid on recent developments.

Subsequently, Lapid escalated his demand, calling for a four-way meeting involving himself, Netanyahu, Shin Bet Director David Barnea, and Election Committee Chairman Judge Noam Sohlberg. Lapid's office stated that when a prime minister publicly warns of threats that could disrupt elections, all involved parties must receive a full update on the situation and the measures being taken to safeguard the democratic process.

Later, it was announced that Netanyahu would meet with Lapid for a security briefing that evening. Prior to this meeting, Netanyahu was scheduled to convene a security discussion with defense establishment leaders. The National Unity party also sent a notice to the Likud party and Netanyahu, demanding the removal of the video statement within four hours, deeming its use of an airbase for election-related warnings as particularly serious.

In a separate development, MK Oded Forer of Yisrael Beiteinu called for the immediate conscription of all ultra-Orthodox men who have avoided military service, questioning why thousands of Haredi youths remain exempt while the IDF faces shortages and the nation faces potential war. Forer argued that if the threat of war is real, Netanyahu must order emergency conscription for all draft dodgers, asserting that in times of potential conflict, everyone must serve.