Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu alerted the public to potential threats from adversaries ahead of the elections scheduled for October 27. The warning was made during a video message from Tel Nof, Israel’s main Air Force base, where he cited indications of imminent attacks. He stated, “We have indications that, ahead of the elections, our enemies will try to attack us.”

His remarks came just before an incident involving a flight from Tel Aviv diverted to Saudi Arabia, raising concerns about security. Netanyahu’s comments suggested a sense of urgency regarding national security, particularly in light of the impending elections. He did not provide specific details about the threats or the source of the indications mentioned in his warning. Nevertheless, the opposition called for transparency, questioning his motives in making such a statement so close to the election date.

Incident Involving Flight Raises Security Concerns

The flight, carrying around 180 passengers, primarily Israeli citizens, faced an emergency situation that required diversion. Reports suggest that a violent altercation between the pilot and co-pilot created fears of a possible hijacking, which led to the flight being redirected to Saudi Arabia. Israeli officials have reportedly described the situation as potentially indicative of an attempted “terror attack.”

Following the incident, two Israeli officials stated that the government had not ruled out the possibility of a “terror attack,” raising alarm within security circles. The Israeli military reportedly did not elevate its alert status and found no specific threats related to the upcoming elections, according to sources from various news outlets. This contrast between military assessments and government statements has sparked further debate and calls for clarity.

In the wake of Netanyahu’s announcement, the opposition’s response intensified. Opposition Leader Yair Lapid met with Netanyahu to discuss the security situation. Afterward, he publicly dismissed the need for panic and framed Netanyahu’s comments as politically motivated rather than a matter of national security. Lapid expressed concerns about the implications of such statements on the electoral process.

Opp Calls for Transparency and Briefing

The Yashar party, led by Gadi Eisenkot, demanded an immediate briefing on any security threats from Netanyahu, asserting that any genuine threat must be thoroughly communicated to opposition leaders. They urged for collaborative discussions with the Prime Minister to verify the authenticity of the threats looming before the elections.

Lapid echoed this sentiment, calling for an emergency meeting involving himself, Netanyahu, the chief of Shin Bet, and the chairman of the Central Elections Committee. He insisted on the necessity for all relevant parties to receive complete updates on the security situation to ensure a secure electoral process.

In response, Netanyahu’s Likud party countered Lapid’s accusations, suggesting that Lapid had prepared his statement before the briefing ended. Likud claimed that Lapid’s swift publication of his views demonstrated a lack of serious engagement with the security discussion. The political atmosphere remains charged as both parties prepare for the upcoming elections amid security concerns.

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