Lieberman Warns Interim Government Against War Decisions

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, has cautioned Israel's interim government against making decisions that could lead the country into war without parliamentary oversight and the full consent of all defense agencies. He emphasized on social media that the temporary cabinet has strict limits on its executive authority before a new coalition is formed, and that such critical steps require unanimous approval from all security bodies. Lieberman's statement was echoed by Gadi Eisenkot, head of the Yashar party, who sent a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressing concern.

Eisenkot's letter pointed out that Netanyahu's government currently has the support of only 46 Knesset members, arguing that this lack of broad parliamentary backing necessitates extreme caution and a delay of non-urgent military operations until a new government is sworn in. He also requested the government's legal advisor to review the interim cabinet's defense powers and security briefing protocols.

However, Defense Minister Israel Katz sharply rebuked these criticisms, asserting that the current leadership retains full authority and will continue to direct the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) across all fronts, regardless of political negotiations. Katz stated that the government does not need opposition or external official permission to task the army. He detailed ongoing military activities, including operations in Gaza, actions in Lebanon, maintaining a buffer zone in Syria for the Golan Heights, and counter-terrorism raids in Hebron and throughout Judea and Samaria.

Katz dismissed the notion that the political transition period pauses state security, affirming that the army remains fully operationally ready and acts according to situational demands. He concluded that Israel still has a single Prime Minister, a single Defense Minister, and a single legitimate government responsible for citizen safety and maintaining necessary control.