Lieberman to Summon IDF Chief, Mossad Head Over Iran Concerns
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Avigdor Lieberman, slated to chair the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, will be appointed Monday after a delay attributed to Prime Minister Netanyahu's bloc. Lieberman plans to summon the IDF Chief of Staff and Mossad head to discuss Iran's activities and potential escalations. The delay has sparked criticism from Gadi Eisenkot, who accuses Netanyahu of neglecting security oversight amid reports of disagreements over Iran policy between Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Avigdor Lieberman will chair the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee starting Monday after a procedural delay.
- Lieberman plans to summon the IDF Chief of Staff and Mossad head to discuss Iran and security matters.
- The appointment delay was reportedly caused by Prime Minister Netanyahu's bloc obstructing a vote.
- Gadi Eisenkot criticized Netanyahu, accusing him of creating a security oversight vacuum.
- Reports indicate disagreements between Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir over Iran policy.
- The delay occurs amid concerns of a potential military escalation and ongoing government formation talks.
Avigdor Lieberman, head of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, is set to assume the chairmanship of the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Monday, following a delay in his appointment caused by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc. The bloc reportedly obstructed a vote on Lieberman's appointment on Wednesday, pushing it to Monday. Lieberman stated that upon taking office, he intends to summon the IDF Chief of Staff and the head of the Mossad to discuss the situation surrounding Iran, citing recent reports about Iranian chemical weapons and proxy operations.
Lieberman's planned inquiries come amid concerns of a potential military escalation. He expressed a desire to understand the security situation in Israel firsthand. "There have been many reports lately, including about Iran's chemical weapons and attempts to carry out various operations through intermediaries," he noted. He also indicated that the committee has "plenty to do," suggesting further investigations into security matters.
The delay in Lieberman's appointment occurred after the creation of the temporary Knesset committee on Foreign Affairs and Defense was approved on Wednesday. While the committee's composition was agreed upon and Lieberman was recommended as chairman, the final procedural vote was postponed by Netanyahu's bloc. This delay prevents Lieberman from fully assuming his duties and accessing classified intelligence materials.
The postponement has drawn criticism from Gadi Eisenkot, head of the National Unity party. Eisenkot accused Netanyahu of creating a "vacuum in oversight" and questioned the delay in the committee vote, especially given recent reports of disagreements between Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir regarding potential military action against Iran. Eisenkot has also requested information on security matters and is examining the transitional government's authority in security decisions.
Reports suggest the delay might be linked to negotiations between the National Unity bloc and ultra-Orthodox parties, or an attempt to slow down the legislative initiatives of the National Unity bloc. The Prime Minister's Office has dismissed Eisenkot's concerns, calling them a "transparent attempt to politicize national security issues" and invited him to join a unity government. They also denied commenting on reports of disagreements with the IDF Chief of Staff, labeling them "biased fake news."
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