Netanyahu Briefs Lapid on Security Threats; Opposition Leader Criticizes

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu briefed opposition leader Yair Lapid on intelligence warnings regarding potential attacks against Israel across multiple fronts ahead of the elections. The security briefing, which lasted approximately 30 minutes, was followed by Lapid's statement that while he would not disclose the details of the information presented, Israel must handle security threats professionally and responsibly. Lapid asserted that the IDF, Shin Bet, and police are prepared for the elections and that there is no reason to cause public panic. He further criticized the use of security warnings as a backdrop for election campaign videos, emphasizing that such alerts should originate from professional bodies like the IDF and Shin Bet, not from politicians' social media accounts during an election period. Lapid also highlighted concerns about manpower shortages within the IDF, referencing warnings from the Chief of Staff about a lack of combat soldiers and the army's exhaustion. He suggested that if Netanyahu were genuinely concerned about the security situation, he should enlist the 15,000 Haredi youths the IDF needs. Lapid also requested a joint meeting with the head of the Shin Bet and the Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, Judge Noam Sohlberg, to ensure all relevant parties are informed and to coordinate election preparations. The Prime Minister's office stated that the briefing included a detailed presentation of warnings about potential attacks on various fronts prior to the elections.