Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Tuesday that Israel’s enemies could attempt an attack ahead of the October 27 election, without identifying the threat or providing details about the intelligence behind his warning. Speaking from Tel Nof Air Force Base, Netanyahu said there were indications that attacks could be attempted before the polls. His remarks prompted Opposition Leader Yair Lapid to seek an urgent security briefing.

Netanyahu said the security establishment was preparing for possible threats and warned potential attackers that Israel would respond. However, according to security sources cited by Israeli media, the military had not identified a specific threat indicating that an attack was being planned before the election. The sources also said there had been no reported increase in the military’s alert level or mobilisation of additional troops in response to such a threat.

Lapid requested a briefing from Netanyahu to clarify the nature of the threat and the measures being taken to protect the electoral process. The two eventually met on Tuesday night, with Netanyahu’s office later saying that warnings of possible attacks on several fronts ahead of the election were presented during the meeting. Lapid subsequently said there was no reason to cause public panic and argued that security matters should be handled professionally and responsibly.

Also Read: Iran Raises Alarm Over Netanyahu’s Reported UAE Visit, Warns Of Serious Consequences

The exchange came as Israel prepares for its October 27 election, with political parties campaigning amid continuing security concerns. Lapid had asked for a broader discussion involving the prime minister, the Shin Bet chief and the chairman of the Central Elections Committee, saying that relevant officials should be coordinated if there was a genuine threat that could disrupt voting. Netanyahu’s Likud party later criticised Lapid’s response, alleging that he had prepared his public statement before receiving the briefing.

The warning also came shortly before a separate incident involving a flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia after an altercation between the pilots and emergency signals were transmitted. Israeli officials initially considered whether the incident could have been a security attack, although subsequent reporting said it was not believed to be a hijacking and an investigation was continuing.

Lapid said after his briefing with Netanyahu that the flydubai incident had not been among the threats discussed during their meeting. Netanyahu’s office has maintained that warnings about possible attacks on different fronts were presented to the opposition leader, while Israeli military sources have said they were not aware of a specific pre-election attack threat. The differing statements have kept attention on the security situation as Israel approaches the October 27 vote.

Also Read: Netanyahu Defiant: Elite Forces Capture Hamas Security Commander In Ground Intelligence Blitz