Lapid: Security Briefing Didn't Mention Dubai Flight Incident

Opposition leader Yair Lapid stated that the security briefing he received from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday night did not resemble the incident involving a plane arriving from Dubai. Lapid emphasized that nothing presented to him during the briefing indicated such an event, not even in the slightest way.

Lapid criticized what he perceived as political maneuvering, stating, "All the propaganda currently being spread proves what was clear since yesterday: they are trying to make a cheap political move at the expense of Israel's security." He made these remarks after an urgent meeting with Netanyahu.

The meeting was requested by Lapid following Netanyahu's statements earlier on Tuesday during a visit to an Israeli Air Force base, where he mentioned "indications of a potential attack by Israel's enemies before the elections." Lapid had initially requested a legal security briefing from the Prime Minister. Netanyahu's office initially stated that his military advisor would provide the briefing, but Lapid insisted on a meeting with Netanyahu himself, along with the head of the Shin Bet security agency and the chairman of the Central Elections Committee.

Following these exchanges, Netanyahu's office announced that the Prime Minister would meet Lapid in Jerusalem after a discussion with several ministers regarding the security situation. Hebrew media cited security sources indicating that no immediate threat had been detected by intelligence agencies, though the military was prepared for potential Iranian escalation or retaliation. These sources suggested Iran might target Israel before the US midterm elections.

Lapid, after his meeting with Netanyahu, asserted that there was no genuine reason for the Prime Minister's earlier warning. He stated, "In any scenario, the elections will be held on their scheduled date... We have an army, a Shin Bet, and a Central Elections Committee, and ultimately, you cannot scare and deceive everyone." Lapid added that the army and Shin Bet are on alert and that any attempts to disrupt the elections would fail.

Netanyahu's office released a statement after the meeting, confirming that the Prime Minister briefed Lapid on potential attacks on various fronts on the eve of the elections, with the military secretary and other military officials present.