Eisenkot Warns Netanyahu Against Security Force Activation Without Direct Threat

Member of Knesset Gadi Eisenkot sent an official letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, urging caution in activating security forces. Eisenkot warned that deploying forces without an immediate, unavoidable threat could have severe consequences for Israeli democracy and public trust in state institutions. Netanyahu responded by calling Eisenkot's stance "irresponsible" and stating that one should act responsibly instead of spreading fear and division.

Eisenkot also contacted the Legal Advisor to the Government, Gali Baharav-Miara, requesting she compel Netanyahu to provide him with a security briefing. This request stems from the vacancy in the Leader of the Opposition role following the official commencement of the 26th Knesset's duties, as Yair Lapid is no longer in that position.

In his letter, Eisenkot, who has been tasked with forming a new government, reminded Netanyahu that he currently heads a transitional government lacking Knesset confidence, with only 46 supporting members. He expressed deep concern over recent "worrying news" regarding external considerations influencing Israel's most sacred security matters. Eisenkot emphasized Netanyahu's heightened duty of care and responsibility in national security decisions during this complex political period.

Netanyahu's office dismissed Eisenkot's letter as an "irresponsible step" and an "obvious attempt to politicize national security issues." The Prime Minister's office asserted that all government decisions under Netanyahu have been for purely security reasons, in full coordination with the security establishment, and have led to unprecedented achievements. They stated that Netanyahu continues to invite Eisenkot to join a government fighting terrorism, rather than one allied with "supporters of terrorism."