EISENKOT ACCUSES NETANYAHU OF WITHHOLDING SECURITY BRIEFINGS, ASKS ISRAELI ATTORNEY GENERAL TO INTERVENE
Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot has accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of refusing to provide him with regular security and intelligence briefings, prompting him to request intervention from Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara.
Eisenkot said he needs regular, structured and comprehensive security updates, including access to intelligence assessments, arguing that his position as the candidate tasked by President Isaac Herzog with forming Israel’s next government requires access to sensitive national security information.
He claimed that repeated attempts by his team to arrange briefings through Netanyahu’s office have been unsuccessful.
Eisenkot also called on the Attorney General to ensure that any military or operational decisions are properly discussed and approved by the cabinet and government in accordance with Israeli law.
The dispute comes amid heightened political and security tensions following Israel’s recent election, as Netanyahu continues serving as caretaker prime minister while efforts to form a new government proceed.
Eisenkot has also warned Netanyahu against launching military operations without an immediate security threat, particularly during the political transition. He argued that unnecessary military action could have devastating consequences for Israeli democracy and national security.
His warning comes amid reports of disagreements over possible military action against Iran, including alleged differences between Netanyahu and senior Israeli security officials.
Netanyahu, meanwhile, has accused Eisenkot of politicizing national security, highlighting the growing confrontation between the outgoing government and the politician seeking to form the next administration.
The dispute raises serious questions about intelligence-sharing, military oversight and the limits of a caretaker government’s authority during a sensitive political transition in Israel.