Lapid Accuses Netanyahu of Potentially Using Iran Strike to Delay Elections

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid expressed concerns Saturday evening about the possibility of a new military operation against Iran just days before the October 27 legislative elections. When asked if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might launch a strike that could lead to a postponement of the vote, Lapid stated he does not trust Netanyahu on security matters. "I trust the army, I trust the chief of staff. I do not trust Netanyahu on security issues. He cannot be trusted," Lapid told Israel's Channel 12.

Lapid clarified that he does not oppose a military operation against Iran in principle. However, he believes no current intelligence justifies an intervention that could jeopardize the elections. "There is no intelligence, and I know the most sensitive intelligence, that justifies preventing the elections from being held in Israel," he asserted. "I am not saying we should not attack Iran. But there is no justification, from an intelligence perspective, for an attack on Iran that would disrupt the elections."

These statements come amid particularly high tensions between Israel and Iran, months after military clashes between the two countries and the United States. Netanyahu had stated on Wednesday that he did not wish to launch a preemptive strike against Iran before the elections. He also warned that any further Iranian aggression would result in a particularly severe Israeli response.

With nine days remaining until the election, the Iran issue is a central theme in the electoral campaign, fueling political clashes between the outgoing government and its opponents over security stakes and relations with Tehran. Lapid's declarations highlight the persistent distrust from parts of the opposition towards Netanyahu as Israelis prepare to elect the 120 members of the Knesset.