Netanyahu and Eisenkot to Meet Amidst Political Tensions

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and National Unity Party Chairman MK Gadi Eisenkot are scheduled to meet on Thursday at the Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem for a "political-security update." The meeting, which will include the Prime Minister's Military Secretary, Maj. Gen. Guy Marqizano, comes after Eisenkot had requested a security briefing from the Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, to compel Netanyahu to provide one. Eisenkot had initially been slated to receive the briefing in Ramat Hasharon, but the meeting with Marqizano was canceled in favor of the joint session with Netanyahu.

Eisenkot's request to the Attorney General stemmed from the fact that the opposition leader's role has not yet been officially filled since the new Knesset was sworn in. In his appeal, Eisenkot warned that "the operation of security forces without immediate and urgent threat could lead to devastating consequences for Israeli democracy and citizens' trust in government institutions." Netanyahu, in response, called Eisenkot's remarks "irresponsible" and urged for responsibility instead of fear-mongering.

The meeting occurs amid mutual accusations between Netanyahu and Eisenkot since the election results. Eisenkot faces criticism for potential cooperation with Arab parties like Ra'am and the Joint List, while Netanyahu is accused of continuing to divide the public and incite against Arab society representatives. Following the Knesset's swearing-in ceremony, Netanyahu delivered a speech criticizing the "change bloc" for potentially forming a government reliant on Arab parties, which Eisenkot's party, National Unity, deemed a "divisive speech" and canceled planned coalition talks with Likud.

Senior figures in the "change bloc" also accuse Netanyahu of pushing for a unilateral Israeli operation against Iran without American backing, facing opposition from Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and other security officials. They claim Netanyahu is trying to drag Israel into a war to undermine Eisenkot's mandate to form a government. As a transitional prime minister, questions arise about Netanyahu's authority to initiate a major military campaign against Iran, with legal experts pointing to the need for a government or cabinet decision as per Basic Law: The Government.

Meanwhile, a political dispute is ongoing regarding the convening of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. While the establishment of a temporary committee was approved, its meetings are delayed until at least Monday due to a condition set by Likud. The official appointment of Avigdor Lieberman as committee chairman is pending, halting the work of all new Knesset committees. Lieberman himself warned that a transitional government should not make decisions that could lead to war without parliamentary oversight and the full agreement of all security elements.