Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot called on Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara to intervene on Wednesday, seeking regular security briefings from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This request follows Eisenkot’s warning that the caretaker premier should avoid deploying security forces during the transitional period following the recent election.
Eisenkot stated that he is entitled to receive regular, structured, and comprehensive briefings, along with access to intelligence assessments. He argued that this access is necessary because there is currently no opposition leader under the law, and President Isaac Herzog has tasked him with forming a new government. He alleged that his team’s previous attempts to arrange these meetings with Netanyahu’s staff have been unsuccessful.
In his appeal to the attorney general, Eisenkot urged her to ensure that any military or operational actions are properly discussed and approved by the cabinet and government, as required by law. He described this process as essential for effective oversight, proper national decision-making, and the protection of security interests.
The dispute arises amid reports that Netanyahu is seeking military action against Iran despite objections from security chiefs. An Israeli television report on Tuesday indicated that IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir had again opposed unspecified actions the premier wanted to take. This follows Zamir’s reported resistance to a similar move before the October 27 election, when defense officials feared it could trigger an escalation and derail the vote.
In a letter to Netanyahu, Eisenkot wrote that deeply concerning reports have been published regarding extraneous considerations being introduced into Israel’s security decisions. He emphasized that in this complex political situation, perhaps the most sensitive the country has ever known, the prime minister has a duty to exercise extra caution and responsibility.
Eisenkot warned that deploying security forces without a direct and immediate threat could have devastating consequences for Israeli democracy and public trust in government institutions. He demanded that Netanyahu act with national responsibility, showing restraint and refraining from dangerous moves that can wait until a new government is sworn in with the Knesset’s confidence.
The Yashar leader also cautioned against placing security chiefs in a grave constitutional conflict or leaving them uncertain about the right course of action. He urged Netanyahu to allow them to uphold the sacred duty entrusted to them without doubt.
Netanyahu’s bloc lost its parliamentary majority in last month’s election. President Herzog tasked Eisenkot with forming a government on Sunday after Eisenkot received the most recommendations from lawmakers. Although Netanyahu remains caretaker prime minister with control over the government and security forces, Eisenkot noted in his letter that only 46 MKs still support his continued tenure.
Netanyahu’s office responded by claiming that Eisenkot was trying to politicize national security, arguing that such matters should not be discussed in public. The office stated that all decisions taken by the government were based solely on security considerations and made in full coordination with the security establishment. They called Eisenkot’s letter an irresponsible move and a transparent attempt to introduce politicization into national security issues, while also inviting him to join a Netanyahu-led government.
In response to the prime minister’s remarks, Eisenkot claimed that Netanyahu has refused his request to receive an operational update via official channels, which he described as customary. While Eisenkot holds the mandate to form a government, his path to the Prime Minister’s Office remains uncertain. His bloc holds 48 seats, compared to 53 for parties in Netanyahu’s coalition. The ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism did not recommend Netanyahu, leaving him with the support of 46 mandates. Arab parties control the remaining 19 seats, but most Zionist anti-Netanyahu party leaders, with the exception of Yair Golan of the Democrats, have rejected them as government partners.
