Netanyahu's Election Attack Warning Sparks Political Firestorm

A political storm erupted overnight following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's warning that Israel's enemies might attempt attacks around the upcoming elections. Opposition leader Yair Lapid received a security briefing from Netanyahu regarding these concerns. However, immediately after the meeting, Lapid issued a sharp statement criticizing Netanyahu, suggesting security threats should be handled professionally by military and intelligence bodies, not through political "election videos."

Lapid further implied that Netanyahu's warnings were politically motivated, drawing a parallel to the period before the October 7th attacks, when he claimed Netanyahu ignored warnings. Lapid asserted that the military and security services are prepared for the elections and there is no reason to cause public panic. He also questioned Netanyahu's focus on security threats while, according to Lapid, neglecting critical military needs like the enlistment of Haredi men.

The Likud party responded by questioning the timing of Lapid's statement, noting it was released just two minutes after his meeting with Netanyahu concluded. Likud suggested Lapid's critical message may have been prepared in advance, irrespective of the briefing's content, implying it was a pre-planned political attack. They stated Lapid left the meeting at 11:39 PM and his extensive statement was published at 11:41 PM, calling it "nighttime Lapid."

The controversy began earlier when Netanyahu, visiting the Tel Nof Air Force base, stated there were "signs" of potential enemy attacks near the elections, without specifying details. He issued a stern message to adversaries, "Don't mess with us," vowing Israel's "long arm" would reach them anywhere, anytime.

This statement drew immediate criticism from opposition figures, including Gadi Eisenkot, who called for Lapid to be briefed to ensure the threat was real and not a political maneuver. Lapid subsequently requested and received the security update from Netanyahu, which Likud stated included details on potential attacks on various fronts before the elections.