Jerusalem:A crucial security briefing was held between Gadi Eisenkot, who is tasked with forming Israel's government, and caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu along with his military secretary. This meeting concluded after two hours, amidst reports of potential renewed military action against Iran, according to Israeli media reports.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, the meeting took place in Netanyahu's office in Jerusalem and lasted for two hours, as confirmed by a statement from Netanyahu's office and Eisenkot reported by the Ynet website. It was noted that Eisenkot was briefed on the current security and diplomatic challenges facing Israel.
The meeting was organized following Eisenkot's request for intervention from Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara to ensure regular security briefings, as the position of opposition leader remained vacant after the inauguration of the new Knesset. Additionally, the meeting followed Eisenkot's warning to Netanyahu against initiating military or security operations without an immediate threat during the transitional phase of the government.
In a letter, Eisenkot highlighted that Netanyahu no longer had the confidence of parliament, with only 46 lawmakers supporting his tenure. Netanyahu dismissed this warning as "irresponsible," urging Eisenkot to refrain from spreading fear and division. Meanwhile, senior opposition figures accused Netanyahu of considering unilateral military action against Iran without U.S. support, despite opposition from military chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and senior security officials.
An official from the opposition accused Netanyahu of attempting to provoke a conflict to undermine Eisenkot's government formation efforts. The report indicated that Israel's security cabinet, scheduled to convene on Sunday, had previously instructed the military to increase preparedness for scenarios involving Iran, including potential Israeli strikes or surprise attacks by Iran.
Ynet also noted that Netanyahu had discussed potential operations against Iran with senior security officials in recent weeks, with Zamir reportedly opposing certain proposals before the elections. Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman cautioned against a caretaker government making decisions that could lead to war without parliamentary oversight and senior security officials' agreement.
Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, has been tasked by Israeli President Isaac Herzog to form a government after receiving the recommendation of parliamentary factions representing 67 lawmakers, compared to 46 backing Netanyahu. Eisenkot has 28 days to form a governing coalition, with a potential 14-day extension available. This follows the Oct. 27 parliamentary elections, which left neither Netanyahu's bloc nor the opposition with a clear majority in the 120-seat Knesset. Netanyahu remains the caretaker prime minister until a new government is established.