Lapid and Netanyahu cross swords over security briefings as new PM settles in

Opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu called Yair Lapid on Friday and said he hoped the interim prime minister’s four-month period in office before elections would be marked by “security quiet,” but also put the newly minted premier on notice that his political rivals won’t be the ones providing tranquility in the run-up to the November 1 vote.

Netanyahu’s call to Lapid was the first publicly disclosed conversation between the two since the latter took over as prime minister hours earlier, tasked with stewarding the country through the elections and until the establishment of a new government, following the collapse of the eight-party coalition led by Yamina leader Naftali Bennett.

Netanyahu told Lapid he wished him “four months of security quiet,” ahead of the elections, a spokesperson for the Likud leader said. Netanyahu, who was prime minister from 2009 to 2021, is attempting to return to power after a year of leading the opposition.

But during the conversation, the two split over how the opposition leader will receive updates on Israel’s security situations.

Lapid’s spokesperson said in a statement that the prime minister invited Netanyahu to “come, as is accepted, for a security briefing in [Lapid’s] office with the military secretary.” READ MORE