Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet has instructed the military to prepare for a potential renewed attack on Iran, sparking concerns of imminent conflict. This directive comes amid calls from opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot for the caretaker government to abstain from unnecessary military operations until a new administration takes office. The security cabinet last convened on October 5, weeks before elections held on October 27.
The latest directives were disclosed following Eisenkot's plea for Netanyahu to exercise restraint during the political transition period. In a letter to Netanyahu, Eisenkot, who is tasked with forming Israel's next government, cautioned against launching military or security operations unless there was an immediate threat. Israeli media reported that Eisenkot warned of potential devastating consequences for Israeli democracy and public trust in government institutions due to the deployment of security forces without a direct and immediate threat that cannot be delayed.
Eisenkot, who was formally tasked with forming the next government by Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Sunday, has 28 days to form a governing coalition, with a possible 14-day extension. Eisenkot's call for restraint is significant as he now leads a caretaker government that only enjoys the support of 46 Knesset members, according to Anadolu Ajansi. This contrasts sharply with the 67 lawmakers who recommended him for the task of forming the next government.