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Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid said Monday that intelligence available to him does not indicate Israel is expected to go to war with Iran before the country’s Oct. 27 parliamentary election, while accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of using security warnings as part of his election campaign.
Speaking to Israeli radio station 103 FM, Lapid said Netanyahu could influence the political agenda by warning of an imminent attack or conflict with Iran.
“The prime minister can dominate the agenda by warning of an imminent terrorist attack or a war with Iran. Whether that is good for Israel is a question voters should ask themselves,” Lapid said.
As opposition leader, Lapid receives security and military briefings from Netanyahu, particularly regarding major military operations or the possibility of war.
“Based on the intelligence available to me, no war with Iran is expected before the elections,” Lapid said.
Israeli media reported that Netanyahu chaired a security meeting Sunday evening to discuss developments concerning Iran.
Netanyahu had warned on Sept. 29 that Israel’s enemies could attempt attacks ahead of the election.
Following a security briefing with Netanyahu, Lapid accused the prime minister of spreading fear for political purposes, said there was no reason to alarm the public and argued that the elections should proceed as scheduled.
The Oct. 27 election is viewed as a major political test for Netanyahu and opposition parties seeking to form an alternative government.
Recent opinion polls have shown opposition parties ahead of Netanyahu’s bloc, but without a clear parliamentary majority needed to form a government.
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