File photo: Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot (Photo: AP).
The security cabinet had last met on October 5, weeks before elections were held on October 27. Israeli President Isaac Herzog formally tasked Eisenkot with forming the next government on Sunday after parliamentary factions representing 67 lawmakers recommended him. A total of 46 lawmakers backed Netanyahu, while seven declined to recommend either candidate, Anadolu Ajansi reported.
In a letter to Netanyahu, Eisenkot, who has been tasked with forming Israel’s next government, warned against launching military or security operations unless there was an immediate threat, Israeli media reported.
“The directives issued by the security cabinet to the Israeli military could lead it to carry out activities that could trigger a war,” Israeli public broadcaster KAN reported. Eisenkot said Netanyahu was leading a caretaker government that no longer enjoyed the confidence of the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, according to the Ynet news website. “Only 46 Knesset members still support your continued tenure as prime minister,” he said.
The latest directives were publicised after Eisenkot called on Netanyahu to exercise restraint during the political transition. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ‘s security cabinet on Wednesday directed the military to prepare for a possible renewed attack on Iran, as opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot urged the caretaker government to avoid unnecessary military operations until a new administration takes office.