Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on September 29, 2026, issued a public warning that Israel’s enemies may attempt an attack ahead of the October 27 Knesset elections, citing unspecified indications.
Defence Minister Israel Katz separately threatened to target Hamas leaders outside Gaza, escalating rhetoric amid the campaign period. Netanyahu’s statement, delivered from Tel Nof Air Force Base, framed the warning as a deterrent: “Don’t mess with us. Our long arm will reach you anywhere, anytime.”
Opposition leader Yair Lapid responded by requesting an urgent security briefing from Netanyahu’s office, stating he sought clarity on whether the threats were credible and how elections would proceed without disruption. Netanyahu’s office confirmed that his military secretary would provide the update.
Political rivals question legitimacy of warnings
The Yashar Party, led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, demanded that Lapid receive the briefing but raised concerns the warnings were a political maneuver rather than a genuine security threat. The party also cautioned against mixing military imagery with campaign activities, stating: “It is strictly forbidden to mix Israel’s security and the election system.”
Netanyahu’s opponents have increasingly scrutinized his security credentials following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, which killed over 1,200 Israelis. Reports in early September 2026 alleged that UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan had privately warned Netanyahu days before the assault, though Netanyahu’s office denied the claims. His supporters have dismissed the reports as part of a coordinated effort to undermine his reelection bid.
Campaign strategy amid security concerns
Analysts note Netanyahu is relying on a classic security-focused campaign playbook, positioning himself as the sole leader capable of protecting Israel amid regional tensions. Polls suggest his Likud party may lose a third of its seats, raising questions about his ability to maintain dominance on national security issues.
Netanyahu has not specified which enemies he believes may attack, nor provided details on the nature of the alleged threats. His office has stated that the military secretary will brief Lapid on the latest developments.