Netanyahu's Iran Stance Sparks Israeli Political Rift

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears undeterred by signals from US President Donald Trump regarding a desire to end conflict with Iran, according to an analysis by Uri Harel in the newspaper Haaretz. Political maneuvering between Netanyahu and his rivals in the "change bloc" indicates rising tensions within Israeli leadership over a potential confrontation in the Gulf.

Gadi Eisenkot, head of the "Yachad!" party, sent an unprecedented message to Netanyahu urging national responsibility, restraint, and avoidance of dangerous military actions that could be postponed until a new Knesset-approved government is formed. Eisenkot warned that using security forces without an immediate threat could have severe consequences for Israeli democracy and create constitutional dilemmas for security leaders.

Netanyahu's office responded that all government decisions are based solely on security considerations and in full coordination with the security establishment, calling Eisenkot's message irresponsible and divisive. Eisenkot also contacted Legal Advisor to the Government Gali Baharav-Miara, requesting intervention to ensure Netanyahu provides him with regular security briefings, especially given the absence of an opposition leader and Eisenkot's role in government formation.

Harel's analysis suggests these clashes reflect behind-the-scenes disagreements on managing the security file. The "change bloc" is reportedly seeking to increase parliamentary oversight of Netanyahu's decisions, pushing for Avigdor Lieberman, head of the "Yisrael Beiteinu" party, to chair the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. This move aims to scrutinize Netanyahu's actions concerning the security establishment, particularly given the sensitive security situation and the prolonged absence of cabinet meetings.

Lieberman intends to summon Shin Bet head David Zini and Police Inspector General Dani Levi to discuss allegations of vote-rigging investigations in Arab towns and the alleged involvement of Netanyahu's associates in attempting to halt election result recognition. The analysis also highlighted pre-election disagreements between Netanyahu and then-Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, who, along with other senior officers, opposed Netanyahu's attempts to gain Trump's approval for a joint attack on Iran or to provoke Tehran into conflict. Zamir reportedly warned the US administration that renewed war in the Gulf could delay Israeli elections.

Trump, according to the analysis, ultimately decided against an attack before the Israeli elections, postponing a decision until after the US midterm elections. The analysis concludes that recent developments suggest Netanyahu is again seeking to escalate tensions with Iran, either through direct military action or by provoking a new confrontation. The Israeli military, however, reportedly remains hesitant, fearing that renewed conflict could disrupt the political process in Israel. Harel believes the "change bloc" must recognize the risks of drawing the country into a new military confrontation as part of Netanyahu's efforts to remain in power.