Israeli opposition leader accuses Netanyahu of stoking security fears ahead of election

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday of stoking security fears ahead of next month’s Knesset election after the two held a briefing on possible attacks before the vote. Earlier Tuesday, Netanyahu said during a visit to Tel Nof Airbase in central Israel there were “indications” that Israel’s enemies could try to attack the country ahead of the election. “Do not test us. Our long arm will reach you anywhere and at any time,” he said, without identifying a potential attacker or providing details about the warning. Lapid demanded a security briefing following the remarks. Netanyahu initially declined before later agreeing to meet him. After the briefing, Lapid said security threats should be handled “professionally and responsibly,” adding that Israel’s security and military bases “are not scenery for election campaign videos.” “Before Oct. 7, Netanyahu did not address any warning, and 28 days before the elections he suddenly became preoccupied with fearmongering,” he said, referring to the Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel by the Palestinian group Hamas. He said the Israeli army, Shin Bet security agency and police were prepared for the election and argued there was “no justification for creating panic among the public.” Lapid also called for a meeting involving Netanyahu, Shin Bet chief David Zini and Central Elections Committee chairman Noam Sohlberg to coordinate security preparations ahead of the vote. Netanyahu’s office confirmed the briefing, saying warnings about possible attacks on several fronts ahead of the election were presented in detail, without elaborating. Israel is scheduled to hold general elections on Oct. 27.