Eisenkot warns Netanyahu against Iran strike as Israel faces political transition

Israeli politician Gadi Eisenkot has cautioned caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against conducting potentially hazardous military actions before a new government assumes power, following reports of disagreements over potential strikes against Iran. In a letter dated November 11, Eisenkot called for restraint, stating that significant security decisions during the political transition could erode Israeli democracy and public faith in government institutions.

"Show restraint and caution, and refrain from dangerous moves that can wait until a new government with the Knesset’s confidence is sworn in," Eisenkot wrote. He cautioned that deploying security forces without an urgent threat could result in dire consequences. This warning follows reports that Netanyahu has advocated for military action against Iran, despite opposition from Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir.

Eisenkot, a former military general and leader of the center-right Yesh Atid party, served as IDF Chief of Staff from 2015 to 2019. The timing of Eisenkot's letter has raised concerns about the reported disagreement, as it coincides with the ongoing political transition in Israel.