Caretaker Defence Minister Israel Katz rejected claims that the outgoing cabinet needs approval from political rivals or legal officials to conduct military operations. Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot and committee leader Avigdor Liberman warned that unprovoked military action by an interim government threatens democratic institutions and public trust. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office dismissed these concerns as politicisation, though both political leaders agreed to convene for a security briefing alongside military staff. The standoff comes as Eisenkot works against a December 6 deadline to build a coalition after Netanyahu campaigned on resuming conflict with Iran.
Key points
The caretaker administration asserts it retains full authority to initiate military opera…: The caretaker administration asserts it retains full authority to initiate military operations without seeking permission from parliamentary opponents.
Opposition leaders demand strict oversight to prevent an interim government from dragging…: Opposition leaders demand strict oversight to prevent an interim government from dragging the country into conflict without security agency consent.
Benjamin Netanyahu faces heightened domestic scrutiny regarding his military intentions a…: Benjamin Netanyahu faces heightened domestic scrutiny regarding his military intentions after campaigning on pledges to resume conflict with Iran.
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The leader of the opposition bloc, Gadi Eisenkot, has called on caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to show restraint.
JERUSALEM: Israeli caretaker Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Thursday (Nov 12) that the outgoing coalition does not need permission from the opposition to decide on fresh military operations, following calls to show restraint.
"We do not need approval from the opposition or any legal authority" for the army to carry out strikes in any of the arenas where it operates, Katz wrote on X.
The leader of the opposition bloc, Gadi Eisenkot, has called on caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to show restraint, warning that the use of force without a "direct and immediate threat" could have "disastrous consequences for Israeli democracy and for citizens' trust".
Netanyahu repeatedly threatened to resume the Iran war on the campaign trail for elections last month, warning of threats and even posting an image of a nuclear bomb destroying Tel Aviv.
Katz said Thursday that the outgoing coalition had "demonstrated resolve and sound judgment in dealing with Iran, in full coordination with the IDF…
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