Lapid Accuses Netanyahu of Election Panic, Iran Attack Threat

Opposition leader Yair Lapid stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in a state of "hysteria" because the Likud party knows it is heading for defeat in the upcoming elections. Lapid suggested that Netanyahu would not hesitate to attack Iran for electoral gain, a move he believes the Americans would not support before their own midterm elections. Lapid asserted that he has reviewed intelligence and sees no current reason for an attack on Iran, but expressed distrust in the government's handling of security matters, citing failures to eliminate Hamas or Hezbollah despite stated victories.

Lapid also predicted that the "Bechud" party would be the surprise of the elections, drawing parallels to the 2013 election "vibe." He criticized Netanyahu's handling of the cost of living, stating the Prime Minister has lost control and is avoiding the issue. Lapid accused the government of transferring billions to the ultra-Orthodox during wartime to fund their agenda, which he characterized as "we will die and not be drafted, and the State of Israel is the enemy."

Addressing what he called Netanyahu's "poison machine" and Channel 14's negative campaign against him, Lapid defended his record as Foreign Minister, Finance Minister, and Prime Minister, highlighting his role in Operation "Morning Dew" against Islamic Jihad. He expressed optimism about the election results and outlined a plan for a potential change government, focusing on combating monopolies to lower the cost of living, eliminating coalition funds for draft dodgers, and canceling redundant kosher certification positions. Lapid aims to reduce the cost of living by 30% within three years and believes his wife's observations about rising grocery prices reflect the government's "colossal" failure.

Lapid also expressed interest in serving as Foreign Minister, emphasizing the need to repair Israel's international relations, particularly with the United States and the European Union, which he described as being in a state of "complete disconnect" under the current government. He believes he has the proven ability to manage these relationships, a fact he thinks Netanyahu understands.