Netanyahu Briefs Eisenkot as Israel's Security Cabinet Prepares to Meet on Iran
Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot completed a security briefing on Thursday and agreed to further updates, ahead of a reported Security Cabinet meeting on Sunday, 15 November.
The meeting at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem lasted about two hours, according to a joint statement carried by N12. Netanyahu's military secretary, Major General Guy Markizano, attended. Eisenkot, who holds the mandate to form the next government, was updated on Israel's security and diplomatic challenges after a public dispute over access to briefings and decisions during the transition.
A Meeting After Public Exchanges
An initial plan for Eisenkot to meet the military secretary was replaced with a meeting involving Netanyahu himself. The joint statement issued afterward said the two sides would continue exchanging updates as needed. It followed Eisenkot's demand for information and his warning against taking avoidable security risks before a new government is sworn in.
The briefing took place while government formation negotiations remained unresolved. Netanyahu continues to lead the government, while Eisenkot is trying to assemble parliamentary support for a replacement.
The Security Cabinet Returns to Iran
Zman Yisrael, citing Kan, reported that the Security Cabinet would convene on Sunday for its first meeting since early October. Kan had reported that the cabinet instructed the Israel Defense Forces to increase preparations for a possible attack on Iran.
The reported meeting follows continuing Israeli military preparations concerning Iran.
Eisenkot Calls for Restraint
In his letter to Netanyahu on Wednesday, Eisenkot urged restraint over dangerous steps that could wait for a new government with the Knesset's confidence. He also argued that security chiefs should not be placed in a constitutional conflict.
Netanyahu's office rejected his criticism. It said the government's decisions had been based on security considerations and coordinated with the defense establishment. The office also accused Eisenkot of bringing politics into sensitive national security issues.
Katz Says the Leadership Agrees on Iran
Defense Minister Israel Katz said the government did not need the opposition's permission to direct security operations. Later on Thursday, N12 reported his statement that he, Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir agreed on all aspects of the Iranian issue.
Katz spoke after a security assessment attended by Zamir, Defense Ministry Director General Amir Baram and other senior defense officials. He said decisions were being made responsibly and through cooperation between the political and military leadership. His statement followed N12 reporting of disagreements between Netanyahu and Zamir over Iran.
Another parliamentary development is scheduled for Monday: the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee is due to meet to approve Liberman's appointment as its chairman, according to N12.
