Lapid challenges Netanyahu’s pre-election security warning
After a security briefing, the opposition leader said the October 7 vote would proceed on time and called for threats to be handled responsibly.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of “fear-mongering” after Netanyahu warned that Israel’s enemies might attack before the October 7 election.
Netanyahu’s online video, filmed at a military base, referred to “indications” of possible attacks but did not identify an adversary. He later said he had raised alerts about possible attacks on several fronts during a security briefing with Lapid.
Lapid requested an urgent briefing and said afterwards that the election would take place on schedule. He urged the government not to panic the public and said security threats should be handled professionally and responsibly. He did not disclose the briefing’s contents.
Lapid also accused Netanyahu of using military bases in campaign videos and alleged he had ignored warnings before the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023. Those claims are part of the political dispute between the leaders.
The election is Israel’s first since the 2023 attacks. Polling cited by Al Jazeera indicates a close contest; opposition parties may hold a combined majority in the Knesset but could struggle to form a coalition.
