Eisenkot Warns Netanyahu Against Security Actions Before New Government

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of Yesh Atid, formally requested Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to exercise "restraint and caution" in a letter sent three days after Netanyahu received the mandate to form a government. Eisenkot warned that "operating security forces without a direct and immediate threat that cannot be delayed could lead to devastating consequences for Israeli democracy and the public's trust in government institutions." Netanyahu responded by calling Eisenkot's remarks "irresponsible" and urged him to "act responsibly instead of sowing fear and division."

Eisenkot also appealed to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara to compel Netanyahu to provide him with a security briefing. He noted that with the new Knesset sworn in, Yair Lapid is no longer the opposition leader, leaving the position vacant. Netanyahu's office countered that the Prime Minister had initiated a security update meeting with Eisenkot before Eisenkot contacted the Attorney General.

In his letter, titled "Your Security and State Duty at This Hour," Eisenkot addressed Netanyahu as the acting head of government responsible for Israel's security. He highlighted that Netanyahu currently serves as a transitional prime minister without the confidence of the Knesset, supported by only 46 members. Eisenkot expressed concern over "very disturbing reports regarding the introduction of foreign considerations into the sanctity of Israel's security" and stressed the need for extreme caution in national security decisions during this "complex and sensitive political situation."

Eisenkot demanded that Netanyahu "demonstrate national responsibility" and "exercise restraint and caution against dangerous moves that can wait for the swearing-in of a new government." He warned against undermining public trust in institutions and decision-making processes, and cautioned against placing security chiefs in a "difficult constitutional conflict."

Netanyahu's office dismissed Eisenkot's letter as an "irresponsible move" and an attempt to "politicize national security issues." They asserted that all government decisions under Netanyahu's leadership were made solely for security reasons in full coordination with the security establishment, leading to "unprecedented achievements." Netanyahu reiterated his call for a unity government led by him and invited Eisenkot to join his government, which he stated is fighting terrorism.

Eisenkot further questioned Netanyahu's refusal to provide an official briefing and his alleged attempts to delay the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee meeting. He vowed not to allow a vacuum in oversight of a government that has lost the Knesset's confidence and to ensure that security considerations are paramount.

Separately, the article touches upon a reported contentious phone call between Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Iran, which sources described as "a shouting match from hell," though Netanyahu's office denied this, calling it "fake news." The report also mentions Iranian claims of attacks on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iranian officials issuing threats against the U.S. and Israel. Mohsen Rezai, a senior Iranian official, stated Iran would not export enriched uranium and would use it for its own purposes, while also threatening retaliation against U.S. bases if attacked.