Eisenkot warns Netanyahu against politically motivated security decisions amid Iran tensions

Gadi Eisenkot, leader of Israel’s Yashar party, has warned outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against taking what he described as dangerous and unnecessary security measures amid the country’s political crisis, urging him not to use national security considerations to preserve his government.

In an official letter dated 11th November, Eisenkot expressed concern over recent developments and reports suggesting political interference in sensitive national security matters.

Addressing Netanyahu as a former coalition partner and drawing on his own experience overseeing Israel’s military and security institutions, Eisenkot warned against involving the security establishment in political disputes.

He emphasised that Netanyahu currently heads a transitional government that no longer enjoys the support of a parliamentary majority, claiming that only 46 members of the Knesset continue to support his premiership.

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Eisenkot cautioned against making strategic or military decisions based on narrow political interests, particularly as Israel faces heightened regional tensions and uncertainty over its next government.

He argued that the country is navigating one of the most sensitive and complex periods in its history, requiring exceptional responsibility and restraint in matters affecting national security.

The Yashar leader also called on Netanyahu to stop pressuring senior security officials or attempting to direct their actions toward political objectives.

Eisenkot warned that such interference could expose military and security leaders to difficult legal and constitutional situations, particularly amid deepening political polarisation.

His intervention comes amid reports of renewed disagreements between Netanyahu and senior military officials over possible actions against Iran, raising concerns about the potential consequences of further regional escalation.

Eisenkot’s letter underscores growing tensions over the boundaries between political authority and professional security decision-making as Israel’s transitional government faces mounting parliamentary challenges.

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