Lapid Demands Security Briefing as Netanyahu Issues Election

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that the country's enemies may attempt attacks before the October 27 general election. He posted an online video on Tuesday from Tel Nof Airbase, showing him in front of a fighter jet, stating there were 'indications' of such a threat and promising retaliation.

Netanyahu did not specify which enemy he had in mind. In recent weeks, he has issued warnings to Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Palestinian Authority. In his video, he said, 'I am sending you a message: Don’t mess with us, not now and not ever. Our long arm will reach you anywhere, anytime.'

Lapid demands urgent briefing and accuses Netanyahu of fearmongering

Opposition leader Yair Lapid, a centrist former prime minister who heads the Yesh Atid party, requested an urgent security briefing following Netanyahu's remarks. He accused the prime minister of using the military base as a prop for an election campaign video and of ignoring warnings before the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023.

Yair Lapid said: "Netanyahu ignored every warning before October 7, and now, 28 days before the election, he’s suddenly busy fear-mongering." He insisted Israel’s military installations are not scenery for campaign videos. Lapid initially faced a refusal from Netanyahu before the prime minister later acceded to the request. Lapid also urged Netanyahu to convene a meeting with Shin Bet chief David Zini and Central Elections Committee chairman Noam Sohlberg.

In an online post, Lapid stated he was certain the election would proceed as scheduled. "The elections will take place on time, and no one has an excuse to disrupt them," he said, adding there was no reason to panic the public. He pledged not to violate the confidentiality of the security briefing but stressed that security threats must be handled professionally.

Briefing held as office confirms multi-front attack alerts

Netanyahu's office confirmed that a security briefing with Lapid took place soon after the request, with military leaders present. In a separate post on Tuesday, Netanyahu stated he held the briefing. His office said detailed warnings regarding possible multi-front attacks ahead of the elections were presented during the intelligence update.

Opposition unites to challenge Netanyahu’s leadership

Lapid is coordinating with other opposition figures to unseat Netanyahu. Former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, who leads the Yashar party, is emerging as Netanyahu's most formidable rival. Last week, Lapid, Eisenkot, and other opposition leaders agreed to work together to remove the current government.

Under their agreement, each leader pledged to work within their constituencies to increase voter turnout and attract support from various sectors of Israeli society. Their collective goal is to secure a majority in the Knesset and form a new government.

Electoral stakes high as polls show tight race

The upcoming election could determine whether Netanyahu remains in power or is defeated by his centrist rivals. Current polls show a very close race. According to a Reuters polling average, no single candidate has a clear path to power, and Eisenkot's Yashar party leads Netanyahu's Likud party by two points.

The same polling average projects the following seat distribution in the 120-member Knesset:

The election is scheduled for October 27.