Netanyahu Halts Campaign Amid Attack; Rivals Tweet Politics
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled all Likud campaign events following a severe attack Friday, while rivals Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett continued their political messaging. The contrasting responses highlight campaign dynamics ahead of elections on Tuesday. Security tensions are high, with warnings against politicizing the situation.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu halted all Likud campaign events after a severe attack Friday.
- Rivals Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett continued political campaigning and tweeting during the attack.
- The differing responses raise questions about election campaign conduct.
- Security tensions are high, with Iran expecting a potential Israeli-American attack soon.
- The elections are scheduled for the upcoming Tuesday.
While a severe attack occurred at the Etzion Junction on Friday morning, political leaders Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett posted political messages on social media. In contrast, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the cancellation of all Likud party political events scheduled for the day in response to the incident.
Lapid tweeted, "The data is undeniable: the moment 'Habayit Hayehudi' strengthens, the entire bloc strengthens. Strengthen 'Habayit Hayehudi', and you increase the bloc's chances of winning." Bennett posted, "Is your niece considering voting for Ben Gvir? Is Grandpa still undecided? Add me to the family WhatsApp group and I'll convince everyone to vote for me. We won't stop until everyone is convinced!"
Netanyahu's directive to halt political activities came shortly after reports of the security event emerged. The differing responses from the party leaders raise questions about campaign conduct in the final days before the elections. While Netanyahu chose to suspend political activity, his opposition rivals continued their election campaigns.
The article notes that security tensions have escalated recently, with Iran estimating that an Israeli-American attack could occur in the coming days. Security officials have warned against politicizing the security tensions during these sensitive times. The election campaign is at its peak, with the latest Israel Hayom poll indicating Bennett's rise to 14 mandates, while Netanyahu's bloc remains at 50 mandates. The elections are scheduled for the upcoming Tuesday.
Mentioned
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