OMM Newsroom
Israel’s security cabinet is expected to meet Sunday amid opposition concerns that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could launch a military strike on Iran to remain in power, Anadolu Agency reported.
Public broadcaster “KAN” reported Thursday that the cabinet was expected to convene for the first time since Oct. 5.
The expected meeting follows reports that the cabinet instructed the military on Wednesday evening to step up preparations for a possible attack on Iran and a potential military confrontation, “KAN” said.
The reported directive came after Gadi Eisenkot, the lawmaker tasked with forming Israel’s next government, urged Netanyahu in a letter to avoid unnecessary military operations until a new government is formed.
“You currently head a transitional government that no longer enjoys the confidence of the Knesset; only 46 lawmakers still support your continuation as prime minister,” Eisenkot told Netanyahu.
Netanyahu’s office called the letter “an irresponsible move and an overt attempt to politicize security issues.”
In a response, Eisenkot questioned why his request for an operational briefing, which he said was customary, had been rejected, and why the government was seeking to postpone a meeting of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee until next week.
“I will not allow a vacuum in oversight of a government that has lost the confidence of the Knesset,” he said.
Opposition figures in Israel fear Netanyahu could strike Iran and place the country under a state of emergency, potentially paving the way for a unity government involving Netanyahu and Eisenkot. Eisenkot opposes such an arrangement.
The concerns were reinforced by Netanyahu’s remarks to reporters in the Knesset on Wednesday: “Forming a unity government is possible, because the people know how to unite in times of hardship.”
Netanyahu heads a caretaker government. Israeli law does not impose specific restrictions on such a government launching military attacks, but any action would require approval from the security cabinet, which Netanyahu heads and which includes ministers from his government.
Since June 2025, Israel has waged two wars against Iran. Iran responded by attacking Israel with ballistic missiles and drones.
Washington and Tel Aviv accuse Tehran of pursuing nuclear and missile programs that threaten Israel and US-allied countries in the region. Iran says its nuclear program is peaceful and that it does not seek to develop nuclear weapons or threaten other countries.
