Eisenkot Warns Netanyahu Against Dangerous Decisions Amid Political Uncertainty

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Yashar!" party and a Knesset Member, has sent a sharp letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urging extreme caution and responsibility in national security decisions. The appeal comes amid a sensitive political climate, with Netanyahu serving as a caretaker prime minister supported by only 46 Knesset members and lacking the full confidence of the plenum.

Eisenkot cited recent alarming reports about "foreign considerations being introduced into the sanctum sanctorum: Israel's security." He implored Netanyahu to exercise restraint, stating, "In this sensitive period, you are required to show national responsibility, exercise restraint and caution against dangerous moves that can wait for the swearing-in of a new government that has the Knesset's confidence." He further demanded that Netanyahu "not desecrate the people's trust in the governing institutions and the decision-making process."

The former IDF Chief of Staff explicitly warned against operational haste. "The deployment of security forces without a direct, immediate, and unpostponable threat could lead to devastating consequences for Israeli democracy and citizens' trust in government institutions," he clarified. Eisenkot concluded his letter by cautioning against dragging senior military and security officials into disputes, stating, "You must not place the heads of the security systems in a difficult constitutional conflict and doubts about what is required of them and what is the right thing to do," demanding they be allowed to uphold their "sacred commandment" without question.

The Prime Minister's Office responded, asserting that all decisions made under Netanyahu's leadership were based solely on security considerations and in full coordination with the security establishment, leading to unprecedented achievements. They accused Eisenkot of sowing fear and division and called his public discussion of sensitive security matters irresponsible and an attempt to politicize national security. The PM's office reiterated Netanyahu's call for Eisenkot to join a government fighting terror, instead of attempting to form one with "supporters of terrorism."

In a further statement, Eisenkot questioned why Netanyahu refused his request for an operational briefing through official channels and why he was attempting to delay the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee meeting. Eisenkot vowed not to allow a vacuum in oversight of a government that has lost the Knesset's confidence and to prevent any deviation from security considerations.