Katz: Caretaker gov't fully responsible for Israel's security, taking actions against terror groups

Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized on Thursday that the caretaker Israeli government bears complete responsibility for the nation's security, despite its temporary political status. The statement was made on X/Twitter, where Katz clarified that there is only one prime minister, one defense minister, and one government accountable for all security-related decisions concerning Israel, subject to necessary oversight.

Katz's remarks come as discussions in Israel and the United States revolve around potential military action against Iran. They also follow a letter from Yesh Atid party leader Gadi Eisenkot, who is in the process of forming the next government, urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to exercise greater care and responsibility in security-related matters until the formation of a new administration.

Eisenkot also appealed to Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara to ensure that Netanyahu receives regular security briefings.

Katz stated that the government is not required to seek approval from the opposition or any legal authority to order targeted military operations in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank. He reiterated the government's determination and judicious approach towards dealing with Iran, maintaining that Israel will continue such actions as necessary. Israel's security, Katz emphasized, remains uninterrupted by the parallel political processes and will continue to be managed by the existing government.

The opposition's reaction to Katz's statement was critical. Yisrael Beytenu chairman MK Avigdor Liberman responded on X/Twitter, arguing that a caretaker government cannot make decisions leading Israel into war without parliamentary oversight and the full agreement of security officials. Liberman warned that such a government is not authorized to make war-related decisions without proper parliamentary approval and the agreement of all security officials.