Lapid Accuses Netanyahu of Election Scaremongering After Security Briefing

Opposition leader Yair Lapid met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a security briefing on Tuesday, subsequently accusing the premier of using security threats for political gain ahead of elections. Lapid stated on his X account that while he would not breach the confidentiality of the briefing, security matters require professional and responsible handling, not use as "election video props."

Lapid asserted that security threat updates should come from professional bodies like the IDF and Shin Bet, not a politician's Twitter account during an election campaign. He criticized Netanyahu, claiming that before the October 7th attacks, the prime minister ignored warnings, but is now "busy with scaremongering" just 28 days before elections. Lapid added that the IDF, Shin Bet, and police are prepared for the elections and there is no reason to cause public panic.

Addressing concerns about IDF manpower shortages, Lapid suggested that if Netanyahu is truly worried about security, he should enlist the 15,000 Haredi men who are currently exempt from military service. Lapid concluded that the elections will proceed as scheduled and there is no excuse to disrupt them. He also revealed that he requested a four-way meeting with the head of the Shin Bet and the chairman of the Central Elections Committee to ensure coordination regarding the elections.

Lapid's remarks followed a video Netanyahu posted from the Tel Nof Air Force base, where he linked the election timing to potential security threats. Netanyahu warned that "enemies will try to attack us" around the election period, issuing a veiled threat that Israel's "long arm will reach you anywhere, anytime." He did not specify which adversaries he was referring to or the basis for his warning.