Lieberman to Chair Knesset Security Committee, Vows to Prevent Political Military Actions

The committee's first meeting has been delayed due to procedural disputes between the Likud party and the opposition Change Bloc over the formal appointment process for new committee chairs. Likud insisted that new committees cannot convene until Monday, which the opposition viewed as a deliberate effort to postpone Lieberman's access to classified intelligence materials. Haaretz reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu exerted pressure to prevent the committee from convening.

Amid escalating tensions with Iran, Lieberman plans to summon top security officials, including Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and the head of the Mossad, to discuss Iran-related developments and the rationale behind any potential escalation. This has reportedly caused unease within the coalition, particularly given existing disagreements between Netanyahu and Zamir regarding military operations against Tehran. Lieberman warned that an interim government lacks the authority to make decisions that could drag Israel into war without parliamentary oversight and the consensus of security agencies.

The delay in convening the committee also intersects with broader political maneuvers, including coalition negotiations regarding the conscription law and Haredi parties. Gadi Eisenkot is working to form an alternative government, though Lieberman's refusal to support a government backed by the United Arab List complicates these efforts.