Katz accused the opposition figures of repeatedly attacking him and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu<\/a> and casting doubt on their reasons for warning that Israel\u2019s enemies intended to strike on the eve of the election or during voting to influence the outcome.<\/p>\n Katz said the warnings were based on information available to the government, and did not disclose the underlying intelligence or identify a specific planned attack.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is important that our enemies know that the Guardian of Israel will not slumber, and that we are aware, determined and prepared for every possibility, regardless of any political process,\u201d Katz said.<\/p>\n He argued that accusations of ulterior motives reflected narrow political considerations, undermined Israeli deterrence and encouraged Israel\u2019s enemies to act.<\/p>\n \u201cThe prime minister and I will continue to do whatever is necessary to protect Israel\u2019s citizens and strike our enemies forcefully, at any time and in any place, as we have done throughout recent years,\u201d Katz said.<\/p>\n Lapid: Katz’s statement is ‘gift to Israel\u2019s enemies’<\/p>\n \u201cThe defense minister\u2019s reckless and hysterical statement is a gift to Israel\u2019s enemies,\u201d Lapid said in response.<\/p>\n \u201cOnce again, this government of failure is looking for excuses and people to blame for the failures of Netanyahu and the incompetents surrounding him.\u201d<\/p>\n Lapid accused the government of failing to eradicate Hamas<\/a>, bring down Iran, eliminate Hezbollah, and succeed internationally, before seeking to blame the opposition.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat cowardice. What an admission of their inability to run the country and provide security for its citizens,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cIn their desperation to escape defeat in the election, they are now turning the security of the State of Israel into a circus.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Opposition](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/734568.jpeg\"\/)
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid speaks during a press conference as part of the B’Yachad party election campaign in Tel Aviv, central Israel, August 19, 2026. (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI\/FLASH90)<\/p>\n