Netanyahu May Seek Iran Conflict to Stay in Power, Rivals Fear
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Israeli political rivals of caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fear he may provoke a conflict with Iran to prevent the formation of a government led by Gadi Eisenkot. Eisenkot is struggling to form a coalition after securing a Knesset majority. Netanyahu could use a national emergency to remain in power, a tactic he employed after the October 7th attack. Security assessments indicate no immediate threat from Iran, despite signs of nuclear program resumption.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Netanyahu's rivals fear he may provoke an Iran conflict to prevent Gadi Eisenkot forming a government.
- Gadi Eisenkot secured 61 Knesset seats but faces difficult coalition negotiations.
- Netanyahu could use a national emergency, like an Iran conflict, to stay in power.
- Security assessments indicate no immediate threat from Iran, despite nuclear program signs.
- Eisenkot and Lieberman have stated they would not join a unity government with Netanyahu.
Israeli political rivals of caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fear he may attempt to provoke a military confrontation with Iran to prevent the formation of a government led by Gadi Eisenkot. Eisenkot, who received the mandate to form a government after securing 61 Knesset seats, faces difficulties in coalition negotiations. Netanyahu, currently serving as caretaker prime minister for a 42-day transition period, could leverage a national emergency, such as renewed conflict with Iran, to argue for a national unity government and remain in power, according to sources close to Eisenkot. This strategy mirrors his actions after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, when he formed an emergency cabinet with opposition leaders.
Eisenkot and Avigdor Lieberman have publicly stated they would not join a unity government with Netanyahu. However, political sources suggest that a renewed conflict and public fear of Iranian retaliation could pressure them into reconsidering. Netanyahu's bloc has also reportedly attempted to undermine the legitimacy of the recent October 27 elections by raising suspicions about Qatari funding for Arab minority voter turnout, though Qatar has denied any interference and security services have reportedly found no evidence.
Meanwhile, security assessments indicate that while Iran shows signs of resuming its nuclear program and military buildup, evidenced by satellite imagery of construction near key sites, there is no immediate threat to Israel. A former senior security official stated that the urgency for an attack is not high. Concerns remain within Eisenkot's bloc that Netanyahu might resort to instigating a war as a last resort to maintain his position, with one source urging vigilance to prevent impulsive actions that could reignite the regional situation.
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