Israel's opposition leader accuses Netanyahu of fearmongering ahead of elections

Israel's opposition leader accuses Netanyahu of fearmongering ahead of elections

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid accused Benjamin Netanyahu of stoking security fears, claiming that enemies might attack ahead of the 27 October elections. 

Lapid reportedly requested an urgent security briefing after Netanyahu on Tuesday said that there were "indications" that Israel’s enemies could try to attack the country before elections began. 

The prime minister's claims came during a visit to Tel Nof Airbase in central Israel.

"Netanyahu ignored every warning before October 7 and now, 28 days before the election, he’s suddenly busy fearmongering," Lapid said.

 After the meeting late on Tuesday, Lapid asserted that "there is no reason to panic the public", adding that Israeli military bases "are not the setting for election videos".

"I of course will not violate the confidentiality of the security briefing but it must be said - security threats must be handled professionally and responsibly," Lapid said.