Israel's Eisenkot meets Netanyahu amid reports of possible military action against Iran - Anadolu Ajansı

A security briefing between Gadi Eisenkot, tasked with forming Israel's government, caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his military secretary concluded Thursday after two hours, amid reports of possible renewed military action against Iran, according to Israeli media.

The meeting at Netanyahu's office in Jerusalem concluded after two hours, according to a statement from Netanyahu's office and Eisenkot reported by the Ynet website.

"Eisenkot was briefed on the security and diplomatic challenges facing the State of Israel at this time," it said.

The two sides also agreed to continue exchanging updates as necessary, it added.

The meeting was arranged after Eisenkot requested the intervention of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara to ensure he received regular security briefings, as the position of opposition leader remains vacant following the inauguration of the new Knesset.

It also came one day after Eisenkot warned Netanyahu against launching military or security operations without an immediate threat during the government transition.

In a letter Wednesday, Eisenkot said Netanyahu no longer enjoyed the confidence of parliament, with only 46 lawmakers supporting his continued tenure.

Netanyahu rejected the warning as "irresponsible," urging Eisenkot to avoid spreading fear and division.

Meanwhile, senior figures in the opposition bloc have accused Netanyahu of pushing for unilateral military action against Iran without US backing, despite reported opposition from military chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and senior security officials, according to Ynet.

An opposition official accused Netanyahu of attempting to drag Israel into a war to undermine Eisenkot's efforts to form a government.

The report said Israel's security cabinet, expected to convene Sunday, had previously instructed the military to increase readiness for scenarios involving Iran, including a possible Israeli strike or an Iranian surprise attack.

Ynet also reported that Netanyahu discussed possible operations against Iran with senior security officials in recent weeks, while Zamir reportedly opposed certain proposals before the elections.

Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman also warned Thursday that a caretaker government should not make decisions that could lead to war without parliamentary oversight and agreement among senior security officials.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog tasked Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, with forming a government Sunday after parliamentary factions representing 67 lawmakers recommended him, compared with 46 backing Netanyahu.

Eisenkot has 28 days to form a governing coalition, with a possible 14-day extension.

The mandate followed the Oct. 27 parliamentary elections, which left neither Netanyahu's bloc nor the opposition with an outright majority in the 120-seat Knesset.

Netanyahu remains caretaker prime minister until a new government takes office.