Israel’s political transition has triggered a confrontation over national security, with Prime Minister-designate Gadi Eisenkot warning outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against launching new military operations against Iran before a new government takes office.
In a letter sent Wednesday, Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party and a former Israeli military chief, urged Netanyahu to exercise restraint in security decisions that could expose Israel to further military escalation. The warning followed reports by Israel’s Channel 12 that Netanyahu and Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir had again disagreed over the possibility of renewed military action against Iran.
According to The Times of Israel, Eisenkot argued that Netanyahu, whose governing coalition lost its parliamentary majority in the October 27 elections, should avoid decisions that could be postponed until a new administration receives the confidence of the Knesset.
“Deploying security forces in the absence of a direct and immediate threat that cannot be postponed could have devastating consequences for Israeli democracy and for citizens’ trust in the institutions of government,” Eisenkot wrote.
Although his letter did not explicitly mention Iran, it followed Israeli media reports suggesting that Netanyahu was considering military action despite objections from senior defense officials.
Netanyahu rejects accusations as tensions grow over Iran
Netanyahu’s office responded by accusing Eisenkot of attempting to politicize national security during a sensitive period.
“All decisions taken by the government led by Prime Minister Netanyahu were taken solely based on security considerations and in full coordination with the security establishment,” the Prime Minister’s Office said, according to The Times of Israel.
It also described Eisenkot’s intervention as irresponsible because it publicly addressed sensitive military matters, while renewing Netanyahu’s invitation for the opposition leader to join a national unity government.
The issue also carries implications for Washington. According to Axios, President Donald Trump discussed Iran with Netanyahu during a telephone conversation following the Israeli elections, although the administration has recently emphasized efforts to pursue a diplomatic settlement with Tehran.
Eisenkot demands intelligence briefings as coalition talks continue
Eisenkot has also asked Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara to intervene over what he described as Netanyahu’s refusal to provide regular security and intelligence briefings. He also demanded that any military operation receive the necessary cabinet and government authorization, warning against decisions that could place senior security officials in a constitutional dilemma.
Responding to Netanyahu’s criticism, Eisenkot questioned why his request for an operational briefing had not been fulfilled and accused the outgoing prime minister of attempting to delay a meeting of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. Netanyahu’s office disputed his account, saying he had already been invited to receive a briefing.
President Isaac Herzog entrusted Eisenkot with forming a government after 67 lawmakers recommended him for the position, compared with 46 who supported Netanyahu. However, the parties directly aligned with Eisenkot control only 48 seats, leaving him dependent on negotiations with other parliamentary groups.
Under Israeli law, Netanyahu remains caretaker prime minister and retains authority over the country’s armed forces until a new government is sworn in.
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