Netanyahu Summons Lapid for Night Meeting Amid Election Security Warnings

Opposition leader Yair Lapid was summoned for a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu late Tuesday night around 11:00 PM. The invitation followed initial statements from the Prime Minister's Office indicating that only the military secretary would brief Netanyahu, and after Lapid appealed to the chairman of the Central Election Committee.

The development comes against the backdrop of a visit earlier Tuesday by Prime Minister Netanyahu to the Tel Nof Air Force Base. During the visit, Netanyahu issued an unusual warning, stating that ahead of the 26th Knesset elections scheduled for less than a month from now, "our enemies will try to attack us."

Following Netanyahu's statement, opposition leader Lapid demanded a four-way meeting involving Netanyahu, Lapid, Shin Bet chief Zini, and Central Election Committee Chairman Justice Fogelman or Justice Solberg.

Lapid's office stated: "The moment a prime minister in a democratic country publicly states there is a threat that could disrupt the elections, all relevant parties must receive a full briefing on whether there is a problem and what steps are being taken to ensure the democratic process is fully upheld."

"Yashar!" party leader Gadi Eisenkot also responded, demanding clarification on the nature of the warning. "If Netanyahu's statements regarding security threats are true, this requires an immediate briefing of opposition leader Yair Lapid," Eisenkot stated.