Lieberman Echoes Eisenkot's Warning on War Decisions by Caretaker Government
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Avigdor Lieberman, leader of Yisrael Beiteinu, echoed Gadi Eisenkot's warning that a caretaker government should not make war-provoking decisions without full consensus. Eisenkot had previously written to Prime Minister Netanyahu urging caution during the political transition. Defense Minister Israel Katz countered that security decisions do not require opposition approval, while Netanyahu called Eisenkot's letter "irresponsible." Eisenkot has also requested security briefings from the Attorney General.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Avigdor Lieberman warned a caretaker government must not drag Israel into war without parliamentary oversight.
- Gadi Eisenkot urged PM Netanyahu to avoid dangerous security steps during the political transition.
- Defense Minister Israel Katz stated security decisions do not need opposition approval.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu called Eisenkot's warning letter "irresponsible."
- Eisenkot requested security updates from the Attorney General as he works to form a government.
Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, has joined Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Change Bloc, in warning that a caretaker government should not make decisions that could drag Israel into war without parliamentary oversight and full security establishment consensus. Lieberman emphasized that "all security elements" must agree. His remarks come amid a backdrop of an unusual letter from Eisenkot to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to avoid dangerous security steps during the transition period. Eisenkot noted that Netanyahu is serving as a caretaker prime minister without Knesset confidence, supported by only 46 members of Knesset.
Eisenkot's letter highlighted recent disturbing reports about foreign considerations influencing Israeli security and stressed the Prime Minister's obligation to exercise extreme caution in national security decisions. He wrote that in the current complex political situation, "perhaps more than ever, your duty is to show restraint and caution."
Defense Minister Israel Katz sharply criticized Eisenkot's statements, asserting that they do not need approval from the opposition or legal bodies to direct the IDF on counterterrorism operations in Gaza, defensive and offensive actions in Lebanon, maintaining the security zone in Syria, evacuating a "terrorist neighborhood" in Hebron, and continuing offensive operations against terror in Judea and Samaria. Katz added that Israel has demonstrated decisiveness and judgment in dealing with Iran, in full coordination with the IDF, and will continue to do so as required.
Netanyahu responded to Eisenkot's letter by claiming all decisions were made solely on security grounds and called the letter "irresponsible." The dispute unfolds against a complex political reality where President Isaac Herzog has tasked Eisenkot with forming the next government, while Netanyahu and Katz continue to manage security policy as a caretaker government. The Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee is expected to convene on Sunday, its first meeting since early October. Eisenkot has also formally requested ongoing security updates and access to intelligence assessments from Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, arguing that as the one tasked with forming a government, he should receive these standard briefings.
Mentioned
