Lapid Accuses Netanyahu of ‘Fear-Mongering’ After Pre-Election Attack Warning

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of “fear-mongering” after the premier warned that the country’s enemies could try to attack Israel ahead of next month’s general election, according to multiple reports.

Netanyahu issued the warning on Tuesday in a video recorded at the Tel Nof airbase in central Israel, where he appeared in front of a fighter jet and said there were “indications” that adversaries could attempt an attack before the October 27 parliamentary vote, the Washington Examiner reported. He did not identify any specific group or disclose details of the intelligence behind the claim.

Lapid, who leads the Yesh Atid party, requested an urgent security briefing after the remarks, and the two met late Tuesday night, according to JFeed. After the meeting, Lapid said security threats should be handled “professionally and responsibly,” arguing that military bases are “not props for election campaign videos” and that there was “no reason to panic the public.” He added that the IDF, Shin Bet and police were prepared for the vote and insisted the election would take place on schedule.

Lapid also pointed to the October 7, 2023 attacks, saying Netanyahu had ignored warnings then but was “suddenly busy with fearmongering” 28 days before the election, according to reports. Security officials said there was no concrete intelligence about a specific attack and no change in the situation assessment, JFeed reported.

Netanyahu’s Likud party hit back, saying Lapid left the meeting at 11:39 p.m. and published his statement two minutes later — “either he writes at the speed of light or the statement was prepared in advance.”

Sources

1. Washington Examiner: Netanyahu warns of possible attack against Israel before election
2. JFeed: Lapid briefed on election security after Netanyahu’s warning
3. Matzav: Netanyahu issues stark pre-election security warning