Netanyahu Bloc Delays Lieberman's Vote for Foreign Affairs Committee Chair

The bloc supporting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday prevented a vote on appointing Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, as the head of the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. The vote is now postponed until Monday, delaying Lieberman's access to classified intelligence materials during a period of heightened security concerns. Lieberman has stated his intention to summon the Chief of Staff and the head of the Mossad for discussions regarding Iran, citing recent reports about Iranian chemical weapons and proxy activities.

The temporary committee was approved, and Lieberman was recommended for the chairmanship by the Arrangements Committee. However, the vote within the committee itself was blocked by Netanyahu's bloc, pushing the decision to the following week. This delay means Lieberman cannot yet officially assume the role or access sensitive intelligence. An agreement was reached, however, that the vote could be moved up if a security escalation occurs.

One possible reason for the delay is concern within Netanyahu's bloc about a potential quick agreement between the "change bloc" and Haredi parties amid coalition formation talks. Another possibility is an attempt to slow the parliamentary progress of the "change bloc." No official explanation for the opposition to the vote has been provided.

In parallel, Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the National Unity Party, criticized Netanyahu for the delay and for allegedly creating a vacuum in government oversight. Eisenkot questioned Netanyahu's refusal to provide him with operational updates through official channels and his attempts to postpone the committee's convening. Eisenkot vowed not to allow a lapse in oversight for a government that has lost the Knesset's confidence and to prioritize security considerations.

Earlier, Eisenkot had urged Netanyahu to exercise restraint and avoid non-urgent military actions before a new government is sworn in. He also wrote to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara requesting an examination of the transitional government's authority in making security decisions and demanding regular security updates and intelligence access as the designated mandate holder for forming the next government.

Reports indicate ongoing disagreements between Netanyahu and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir regarding potential military actions against Iran, with Zamir reportedly viewing Netanyahu's proposed actions as potentially igniting a wider conflict. The Prime Minister's office dismissed Eisenkot's concerns as politicization of national security issues and invited him to join a unity government, while denying reports of disagreements with the Chief of Staff as "biased fake news."