Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot are scheduled to hold a diplomatic and security briefing on Thursday afternoon. The two political rivals issued a joint statement confirming the meeting, which will take place at the premier's office in Jerusalem. Netanyahu's military secretary, Guy Markizeno, is also expected to attend the session.
This development comes after Eisenkot appealed to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara on Wednesday. The attorney general was asked to intervene to ensure Eisenkot receives regular intelligence updates. As the lawmaker tasked with forming a new government and in the absence of an official opposition leader, Eisenkot argued he is entitled to regular, structured, and comprehensive briefings. He claimed that staff from Netanyahu's office had previously rebuffed his requests for access to intelligence assessments.
In his letter, Eisenkot warned against non-urgent military moves that could have devastating consequences for Israeli democracy. He urged Netanyahu to avoid placing security chiefs in a grave constitutional conflict. Although the letter did not name Iran, it followed reports that the prime minister is seeking a military operation against Tehran despite opposition from senior security officials.
Previous reports indicated that Netanyahu also sought action against Iran before the October 27 election. At that time, defense officials resisted the move, fearing it could trigger an escalation and derail the voting process. Netanyahu's bloc lost its parliamentary majority in that election, leading President Isaac Herzog to task Eisenkot with forming a government on Sunday. Eisenkot received the most recommendations from lawmakers, but Netanyahu remains the caretaker prime minister with control over the government and security forces until a new cabinet is formed.
Netanyahu's office responded to Eisenkot's letter by accusing the rival of trying to politicize national security. The office stated that all decisions made by the government were based solely on security considerations and were made in full coordination with the security establishment. It described Eisenkot's public letter as an irresponsible move to discuss sensitive issues, calling it a transparent attempt to introduce politicization into Israel's national security matters.
The Prime Minister's Office did not specifically address the request for briefings until the joint statement on Thursday confirmed the meeting. Amid these political tensions, Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman also issued a statement on Thursday. He warned the caretaker government against making significant security-related moves without parliamentary oversight and the full agreement of all security officials.
Liberman's party, which has a hawkish stance, won seven seats in last month's Knesset election. He was appointed on Wednesday as the chair of the temporary Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. However, reports indicate that Likud has moved to block the official vote to install Liberman in that role. This move delays his appointment until Monday and leaves the committee without meaningful oversight powers in the interim.
The blocking of the vote effectively prevents the anti-Netanyahu bloc, which now commands a parliamentary majority, from accessing classified security briefings through the committee. The Knesset established the temporary committee on Wednesday after approving the composition of the Arrangements Committee. A separate vote is required to formally appoint the chairman, which was delayed by outgoing Likud officials who warned against proceeding without proper plenum procedures.
Defense Minister Israel Katz asserted on Thursday that the caretaker government does not need permission from political opponents to direct the Israel Defense Forces. Katz stated that the government can carry out operations in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, or clear specific areas in Hebron, without waiting for the new coalition. He emphasized that Israel's security is not on hold and is not waiting for parallel political processes.
Katz concluded that there is one prime minister, one defense minister, and a single government responsible for security decisions. These decisions are subject to established and necessary oversight. He noted that regarding Iran, the government has demonstrated resolve and sound judgment in coordination with the IDF, and this approach will continue as circumstances require.
