Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not held a mandated security briefing with opposition leader Yair Lapid since April, according to Lapid’s office, raising questions over compliance with Knesset law requiring such meetings to occur at least monthly. The failure to meet comes amid mounting criticism from Lapid regarding Netanyahu’s handling of Israel’s security policies, particularly in relation to escalating tensions with Iran and Hezbollah.
Under Israeli law, the prime minister is obligated to update the opposition leader on relevant state security matters “as necessary, and no less than once a month.” However, Lapid’s spokesperson confirmed that the most recent briefing took place over two months ago. This lapse has drawn scrutiny as Israel faces increasing regional challenges.
Lapid sharply condemned reports of an emerging U.S. nuclear deal with Iran, labeling it “one of the most shocking failures of Israeli foreign and security policy,” and attributed full responsibility to Netanyahu. He argued that neither public relations efforts nor media messaging can mask what he views as a significant strategic setback.
The opposition leader criticized Netanyahu’s approach to Israel’s covert military operations targeting Iran, contending that the strikes lacked a coherent strategy and had failed to achieve their intended objectives. Moreover, Lapid asserted these actions had repeatedly drawn Israel into rounds of conflict without clear gains.
Among his key points, Lapid accused Netanyahu of presenting U.S. officials with an excessively optimistic assessment of the situation regarding Iran, which led to a loss of American trust amid ongoing conflict. He further contended that Netanyahu neglected to assemble a dedicated professional team to coordinate with U.S. power centers and decision-makers.
Lapid also cited failures in influencing the United States to target Iranian oil and energy infrastructure and to incorporate Iran’s ballistic missile program into the negotiations, if not the agreement itself. He expressed concern that Netanyahu underestimated the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical maritime chokepoint for global oil shipments—and failed to prepare for its implications.
The opposition leader highlighted the consequences of lifting sanctions on Iran, including the injection of billions of dollars into the Iranian economy under the supervision of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, as well as the impact of rising oil prices in the United States ahead of congressional elections. Lapid further criticized Netanyahu for not effectively leveraging Israel’s relationships with Gulf states to coordinate a joint regional response to Iranian actions.
Summarizing his criticisms, Lapid accused the prime minister of negligence, arrogance, and poor judgment influenced by extraneous considerations. He disputed Netanyahu’s claims that Israel had improved the Middle East’s strategic environment, asserting instead that changes under the current leadership had been detrimental to the country's security posture.