Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman has warned that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s caretaker government should not make security decisions that could lead Israel into a war without parliamentary oversight and the agreement of the country’s security officials.
Liberman issued the warning on Thursday amid reports of renewed disagreements between Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir over the possibility of resuming military operations against Iran.
A report by N12 on Tuesday said tensions between the prime minister and the military chief had resurfaced over the issue.
Liberman said a government serving in a caretaker capacity was not authorised to take decisions that could draw Israel into war without the full agreement of the security establishment.
Eisenkot Receives Security Briefing From Netanyahu
Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot was scheduled to receive a diplomatic and security briefing from Netanyahu and the prime minister’s military secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday.
The meeting was announced in a joint statement by Netanyahu and Eisenkot after the Yashar leader had previously complained that his requests for such briefings had been rejected.
Eisenkot had also raised concerns on Wednesday about security decisions being made while the country was governed by a caretaker administration. He called on Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara to ensure that he received regular briefings from Netanyahu.
Under Israeli law, the prime minister is required to provide the opposition leader with a security briefing at least once a month.
However, no new opposition leader has been formally appointed to replace Yair Lapid while negotiations over forming the next government continue. Eisenkot requested the briefings to ensure oversight of the country’s security situation during this period.
Liberman Approved to Lead Knesset Security Committee
Liberman is also expected to take on a prominent role in parliamentary oversight of Israel’s security affairs after receiving approval from the Knesset Arrangements Committee on Thursday to become chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.
The committee oversees national security matters, military budgets and legislation concerning IDF conscription.
Liberman has said he plans to summon IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and the head of the Mossad to provide assessments of the country’s security situation.
His appointment, however, will not be finalised until Monday. Netanyahu’s political bloc reportedly opposed holding the final committee vote before next week.
Until the appointment is formally approved, Liberman cannot access classified intelligence documents in his capacity as committee chairman.
Political Deadlock Leaves Netanyahu as Caretaker Prime Minister
Israel has yet to form a new government following the October 27 elections, with political negotiations continuing between Netanyahu’s bloc and the parties seeking to replace him.
Netanyahu will remain caretaker prime minister until a new administration is established.
President Isaac Herzog has given Eisenkot the mandate to form the next government. He has 28 days from Sunday to complete the process, with the possibility of requesting an additional 14 days.
Eisenkot also appealed to the attorney-general on Wednesday to intervene and ensure that he receives regular security assessments from Netanyahu.
He said the briefings were necessary to support effective oversight, maintain an appropriate national decision-making process and protect Israel’s security interests.
Netanyahu’s Office Defends Government Security Decisions
The Prime Minister’s Office rejected suggestions that the caretaker government was making security decisions without proper coordination.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the office said all government decisions had been based solely on security considerations and made in full coordination with the security establishment.
Defence Minister Israel Katz reinforced that position on Thursday, arguing that the government retained responsibility for decisions concerning national security and the protection of Israeli citizens.
Katz said the prime minister, defence minister and government were responsible for directing security policy and the military, subject to the necessary oversight.
Ben-Gvir Criticises Liberman Over Opposition Cooperation
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir of Otzma Yehudit also criticised Liberman following his warning.
Ben-Gvir argued that achieving a security victory was impossible while being bound by agreements with groups he described as opposing Israel’s existence. He renewed his criticism of cooperation between Eisenkot’s political bloc and Arab parties.
Liberman has consistently opposed forming a government with Arab political parties.
The position comes as Ra’am and the Joint List secured a record 19 seats in the October 27 election. Both parties have indicated their willingness to support the Eisenkot-led bloc in parliamentary votes, potentially providing it with enough backing to pass legislation.
