Netanyahu Warns Enemies May Attack Before Election; Opposition Leader Calls It ‘Election Propaganda’

JERUSALEM, Sept 30: Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of “fearmongering” after Netanyahu warned that Israel’s enemies could attempt to attack the country ahead of next month’s general election.

Netanyahu issued the warning Tuesday during a visit to the Tel Nof Airbase, saying Israel had “indications” that its enemies could try to attack before the Oct. 27 election.

“Don’t mess with us — not now, and not ever,” Netanyahu said, adding that Israel’s “long arm” would reach its enemies “anywhere and at any time.” He did not identify a potential attacker or provide details of the intelligence behind the warning.

Lapid subsequently demanded an emergency security briefing, saying he wanted to establish whether the threats were genuine and how the government planned to ensure the election would proceed without disruption. Netanyahu initially said his military secretary would provide the update before agreeing to meet Lapid himself.

Following the briefing, Lapid said security threats must be handled “professionally and responsibly” and argued that Israel’s security and military bases should not be used as “the setting for election videos.”

“There’s no reason to put the public in a panic,” Lapid said, adding that the election would be held on schedule and that “no one has an excuse to disrupt” it. He also called for a meeting involving Netanyahu, himself, Shin Bet chief David Zini and Central Elections Committee chairman Noam Sohlberg to coordinate security preparations.

Lapid also invoked the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack, criticizing Netanyahu over his handling of security warnings before that assault. He said the timing of the latest warning, 28 days before the election, raised concerns about its political use.

Netanyahu’s office said the prime minister briefed Lapid on intelligence warnings of “possible attacks on various fronts” in the run-up to the election. It said the warnings were presented in detail but did not disclose further information about the threats.

Israel is scheduled to hold its general election on Oct. 27, 2026