Eisenkot cautions Netanyahu over potential military moves during transition

Israeli political leader Gadi Eisenkot has cautioned caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against pursuing major military action before a new administration assumes office, amid reports of friction over prospective strikes targeting Iran.

Eisenkot, the head of the center-right Yashar party who is currently attempting to assemble Israel's next government, delivered the warning in a formal letter on Wednesday. According to Israeli media reports, he called on Netanyahu to display prudence and avoid critical security initiatives during the ongoing political transition, cautioning that unilateral moves could harm democratic norms and public confidence.

In his letter, Eisenkot urged the interim leader to show restraint and hold off on perilous actions until a cabinet backed by the Knesset takes power. He emphasized that sending armed forces into action without an urgent and direct threat could produce catastrophic outcomes. Although the correspondence did not refer to Iran by name, it emerged alongside domestic reports detailing high-level friction regarding potential military operations against Tehran.

Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 reported that Israel Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir has voiced opposition to proposed military action. Zamir had similarly resisted plans before the October 27 election due to concerns that an escalation might disrupt the voting process.

Eisenkot also protested that Netanyahu's office had neglected to provide him with customary security briefings. He requested that Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara intervene to ensure he receives routine intelligence assessments and strategic updates during the transitional phase.

Netanyahu's political allies swiftly dismissed the warnings, asserting that national defense decisions should remain confidential rather than be subjected to public dispute. They accused Eisenkot of turning vital security affairs into partisan political issues.

The dispute unfolds in the wake of Israel's national election late last month. President Isaac Herzog granted Eisenkot the mandate to assemble a governing coalition on November 8, after 67 members of parliament recommended him, compared to 46 who endorsed Netanyahu. Eisenkot holds an initial 28-day window to negotiate a coalition, with the possibility of a two-week extension.

Netanyahu continues to serve in a caretaker capacity and retains formal command of the military until a new government receives parliamentary approval. The disagreement underscores growing friction over interim executive authorities and accountability as Israel navigates a critical political shift.

Eisenkot previously served as the IDF's chief of the general staff between 2015 and 2019, concluding a military career spanning more than four decades. He entered politics in 2022 and joined Netanyahu's emergency war cabinet after the October 7, 2023 attacks, but resigned in mid-2024 over disagreements with the handling of the conflict before establishing Yashar ahead of the 2026 election.