Evidence

Searches found two independent outlets reporting the quote. Israel National News (Arutz Sheva) carried Lapid's statement in a flash item. Middle East Eye's live blog said he posted it on X. Both give nearly identical wording: an attempt to "crush democracy and steal the election with the help of government plants" in the security establishment. The statement was a reaction to reports that Shin Bet chief David Zini wanted to question Joint List and Ra'am MKs over suspected electoral misconduct or foreign interference. I found no Reuters, AFP, Bellingcat or EUvsDisinfo fact-check on it, and none seems needed for a direct quote. I did not open Lapid's X post itself.