Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party and an MK, met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday for a diplomatic and security briefing, with the prime minister’s military secretary in attendance.
The meeting, held at the Prime Minister’s Office, came after Eisenkot repeatedly sought security briefings that he claimed had been withheld, and after he urged careful security decision‑making during the caretaker government period.
It also occurs amid fresh reports of friction between Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir regarding the potential resumption of military action against Iran.
On Wednesday, Eisenkot asked Attorney General Gali Baharav‑Miara to intervene and secure regular security briefings from Netanyahu concerning the current threat assessment.
He said the briefings were essential “to ensure effective oversight, maintain a proper national decision‑making process, and safeguard security interests.”
Israeli law requires the prime minister to brief the opposition leader on security matters at least monthly. Eisenkot sought the briefings because no new opposition leader has been formally designated to replace Yair Lapid while coalition talks are ongoing.
The political impasse between Netanyahu’s camp and the opposition has delayed government formation after the October 27 election. Netanyahu remains caretaker prime minister until a new government is inaugurated.
Eisenkot has been tasked by President Isaac Herzog with forming the next government, granting him 28 days from Sunday to complete the process, with the possibility of a 14‑day extension upon request.
The Prime Minister’s Office released a Wednesday statement defending Netanyahu’s security decisions, asserting that all government actions “were based solely on security considerations and in full coordination with the security establishment.”
Prior to the Thursday meeting’s announcement, Eisenkot had claimed that Netanyahu was blocking him from receiving the requested briefing.