Lapid Accuses Netanyahu of 'Fear-Mongering' Over Attack Warning

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of "fear-mongering" after Netanyahu warned of possible attacks during next month's general election, according to Al Jazeera.

Lapid dismissed the warning, framing it as an attempt by Netanyahu to stoke fear among voters ahead of the election rather than a substantive security assessment.

Election-season tensions

The exchange reflects the sharpening political rivalry between Lapid and Netanyahu as Israel heads toward next month's general election, with security issues remaining a central and often contentious theme in Israeli political campaigns.

Netanyahu's original warning about possible attacks during the election period was not detailed further in the report, including what specific threats he was referring to or what security measures, if any, were being proposed in response.

Lapid's office and Netanyahu's office did not immediately provide additional comment beyond the statements reported, and it remains to be seen how the dispute over the warning will factor into the broader election campaign.