Lapid Criticizes Netanyahu's Security Threat Warnings Ahead of Elections

Opposition leader Yair Lapid met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for about 30 minutes on Tuesday evening to discuss security threats potentially targeting Israel as elections approach. The meeting followed Netanyahu's statements indicating "indications" that Israeli adversaries might attempt an attack before the vote.

Following the briefing, Lapid stated he would not reveal classified information but strongly criticized how Netanyahu presented the threats to the public. "Security threats must be handled with professionalism and responsibility. Israel's security and the bases of the IDF must not serve as a backdrop for campaign videos," Lapid declared. He asserted that information regarding threats should be communicated by IDF and Shin Bet officials, not "from the Twitter account of a politician in the midst of an election campaign."

"Without going into detail, the IDF, the Shin Bet, and the police are fully prepared for the elections. There is no reason to alarm the public," Lapid added. He also assured that the elections would proceed as scheduled "regardless of the scenario," stating, "No one has an excuse to disrupt their course."

Lapid further requested another meeting involving Netanyahu, the Shin Bet director, and Central Elections Committee chairman Judge Noam Sohlberg to coordinate security preparations for the vote. Netanyahu's office confirmed that alerts about potential multi-front attacks were detailed during the briefing, which was attended by Netanyahu's military secretary and intelligence officer. Earlier, during a visit to Tel Nof Airbase, Netanyahu had warned Israel's enemies, "Do not play with us, not now and not ever. Our long arm will reach you anywhere, anytime."