Election warnings and Lebanon dispute
Defense Minister Israel Katz said any attack on Israel or future terrorist attacks would be attributed to Yair Lapid, Naftali Bennett, Yair Golan and fellow opposition members.
He accused them of attacking him and the prime minister and casting doubt on intelligence-based warnings that Israel’s enemies intended to attack before or during the elections to influence the results.
Katz said allegations of ulterior motives reflected narrow political interests, weakened deterrence and encouraged Israel’s enemies. He pledged continued action to protect Israelis and strike those enemies at any time and place.
Former Prime Minister Lapid called Katz’s statement “reckless and hysterical” and a gift to Israel’s enemies. He accused the government of seeking excuses and scapegoats for Netanyahu and those surrounding him after failing to eradicate Hamas, bring down Iran, eliminate Hezbollah or succeed internationally.
Katz also accused Eisenkot of being prepared to withdraw immediately from the Lebanon security zone established to protect northern residents. He warned that he could provide proof if Eisenkot denied the allegation and said Eisenkot would not lecture him on responsibility or real security.
Foreign influence accounts removed
The Shin Bet said numerous social media profiles used in a foreign influence campaign had been removed ahead of the election.
It worked with the State Attorney’s Office Cyber Department and the Central Elections Committee to identify them, as part of efforts to safeguard election integrity and thwart improper foreign influence.
Gaza departures and Palestinian statehood
Netanyahu acknowledged efforts with third countries to facilitate Palestinian displacement from Gaza, saying recipient countries’ willingness was the main obstacle. He claimed initial progress without naming the countries and said some 150,000 people had already left.
Netanyahu also said Trump’s position would not be conditional on establishing a Palestinian state. Asked by an Arutz 7 reporter about reports that countries including Saudi Arabia had imposed that condition, he dismissed them as public messaging.
He declined to elaborate on his understanding of Saudi Arabia’s position and claimed Arab countries had little interest in the Palestinians.
Bank of Israel forecast
The Bank of Israel projects economic growth of 5.6% for the year covered by its forecast and 7.5% the following year, with unemployment falling to 3% and inflation at 1.6%. The forecast’s reference year is unspecified.
Meitar Crossing exercise
The Defense Ministry’s Crossings Authority has scheduled a security exercise at Meitar Crossing for Friday, October 23, 2026, from 4:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
Route 60 will close intermittently, and gunfire and explosions will be heard.
