Netanyahu, Lapid Clash Over Election Security Briefing Amidst Tensions

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid held a security briefing overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday, following Netanyahu's statement at the Tel Nof Air Force base that "there are signs our enemies will try to attack us ahead of the elections." After the meeting, Lapid urged the public not to panic, stating, "The IDF, Shin Bet, and police are prepared for the elections, and there is no reason to cause public panic."

The Likud party criticized Lapid's swift response, issuing a statement that questioned whether Lapid wrote his reaction "at the speed of light" or if it was pre-prepared. Lapid, in a video on his X account, emphasized that security threats require professional and responsible handling, not political maneuvering for election videos, and that updates should come from professionals, not politicians campaigning.

The Likud retorted that Lapid's extensive statement was a "political attack on the Prime Minister," reiterating their claim that the response was either incredibly fast or pre-written. They concluded their statement with a jab, "So much for the nightly Lapid."

Meanwhile, a security official refuted the Prime Minister's office's claim that an "urgent discussion" was held with the security cabinet before the meeting, clarifying it was a pre-scheduled event. This official also noted that a senior IDF official stated there is "no specific warning" of any security threat. The meeting itself, convened by the Prime Minister, took place in an unusual location due to a last-minute decision.

Earlier, Lapid had demanded a four-way meeting with Netanyahu, Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, and Election Committee Chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg, arguing that if the Prime Minister publicly states there's a threat that could disrupt elections, all involved parties need a full update. The 'Yisrael Beitenu' party also commented, stating that if Netanyahu's security threat claims are true, Lapid must be immediately updated to ensure it's not a political ploy to disrupt the elections, stressing that Israel's security should not be mixed with election campaigns, even for appearances.