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Netanyahu Warns of Pre-Election Attacks, Lapid Accuses Fear-Mongering
Confirmed
In Short: Lapid accused Netanyahu of 'fear-mongering' and using military bases as 'props for election campaign videos.' He also criticized Netanyahu for ignoring warnings before the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, which led to Israel's military campaign in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of potential attacks before the October 27 election, posting a video in which he stood in front of a fighter jet at a military base. He said there were 'indications that, ahead of the elections, our enemies will try to attack us.
In response, opposition leader Yair Lapid requested an urgent security briefing from Netanyahu. After the meeting, Lapid dismissed Netanyahu's warning, saying there was 'no reason to panic the public' and that the election would take place on time.
Netanyahu's office stated that during the security briefing, military leaders presented detailed alerts of possible attacks on various fronts ahead of the elections. The prime minister also warned that Israel would retaliate against any attacks, saying, 'I am sending you a message: Don’t mess with us, not now and not ever. Our long arm will reach you anywhere, anytime.
The upcoming election could determine whether Netanyahu remains in power or is defeated by centrist rivals promising a new era for Israel. Lapid, a former prime minister, is one of Netanyahu's most formidable opponents in the election.
Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump launched a war on Iran in late February, which led to weeks of missile and drone attacks against Israel. Israel has continued to strike Gaza and Lebanon, and Netanyahu has also stepped up his tone against leaders in Turkey, Syria, and Qatar.
What this adds
Netanyahu's warning and Lapid's response highlight the political tensions surrounding the upcoming election.
The sources have not established the specific nature or likelihood of the potential attacks Netanyahu warned about.
What's confirmed
- But in recent weeks, he has issued warnings to Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah and the Palestinian Authority, promising retaliation in the event of an attack.
- “Netanyahu ignored every warning before October 7, and now, 28 days before the election, he’s suddenly busy fear-mongering,” Lapid said.
- Netanyahu’s office said he provided the briefing alongside military leaders to Lapid soon after the opposition leader has requested it in response to Netanyahu’s remarks.
- “During the intelligence update, alerts of possible attacks on the various fronts ahead of the elections were presented in detail,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement.
- “I am sending you a message: Don’t mess with us, not now and not ever. Our long arm will reach you anywhere, anytime,” Netanyahu said.
- Israel has kept striking Gaza and Lebanon, and Netanyahu has also stepped up his tone against the leaders of Turkiye, Syria and Qatar.
- Parliamentary opposition leader Yair Lapid requested an urgent security briefing after Netanyahu alleged a potential attack, in a video the right-wing prime minister made Tuesday in front of a fighter-jet at a base.
What's still developing
- He accused Netanyahu of using military bases as “props for election campaign videos” and of failing to heed warnings before the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, which set off Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza.
- He added: “I of course will not violate the confidentiality of the security briefing but it must be said — security threats must be handled professionally and responsibly.” The election, scheduled for October 7, is Israel’s first vote since the Hamas-led attacks, which plunged the Middle East into turmoil as Israel went to war in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran.
- Lapid also connected the security discussion to ongoing debates over military manpower and conscription exemptions, recalling warnings issued by military leadership regarding personnel shortages.
- "If Netanyahu is so worried about the security situation, he should enlist the 15,000 ultra-Orthodox men that the IDF is missing." Asserting that no security concerns should be utilized as a pretext to delay or alter the democratic process, Lapid emphasized that the scheduled legislative elections will take place on time.