Netanyahu Has Not Briefed Lapid on Security for Two Months

Against the backdrop of a developing U.S.-Iran agreement and Israeli claims that it could cause major damage, Opposition Leader MK Yair Lapid asked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a security briefing, as required by law. According to a report in Wynet, Netanyahu’s office has not yet set a date for the meeting.

Under a 2000 law, the prime minister must brief the opposition leader at least once a month. Netanyahu’s last briefing to Lapid was on April 15, meaning two months have passed since their last security update. Lapid’s aides have contacted Netanyahu’s office several times in recent weeks to arrange the legally required briefing, but those efforts were not answered.

Lapid, who previously served as prime minister, has access as opposition leader to classified security material known as the “black material.” The meetings are intended to give the opposition leader answers on major issues and focus only on sensitive security matters on the agenda. Aides said Netanyahu’s office sometimes makes it difficult to hold the consultations, which are usually attended by the prime minister’s military secretary.