The caretaker government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not authorized to make security decisions that could “drag Israel into a war” without the full approval of the security establishment, Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman said Thursday.
“I warn that a caretaker government is not authorized to make decisions that could drag Israel into a war without parliamentary oversight and the full agreement of all security officials,” he said. “I emphasize: all security officials.”
There have been disagreements between Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir over renewing military attacks against Iran, N12 news site reported Tuesday.
Liberman is expected to soon have greater oversight over security decision-making after being nominated as the chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee (FADC), which oversees national security matters, military budgets, and legislation related to IDF conscription.
Liberman’s final appointment to the position was delayed until next Monday, however, after Netanyahu’s bloc reportedly opposed holding the final vote for FADC chairmanship until next week.
Liberman was approved by the Knesset Arrangements Committee on Wednesday to serve as chair of the FADC.
Nevertheless, until his appointment is finalized, he cannot access classified intelligence materials.
Liberman has said he intends to summon Zamir and Mossad Director Roman Gofman to the committee to receive an assessment of the security situation.
Amid the political deadlock between Netanyahu’s bloc and the bloc seeking to replace him, a new government has yet to be formed since last month’s election.
Netanyahu will continue serving as caretaker prime minister until a new government is established.
Eisenkot granted mandate to form next government by Herzog
Yashar chairman Gadi Eisenkot was granted the mandate to form the next government by President Isaac Herzog. He has 28 days to form a government and can request a 14-day extension.
Eisenkot on Wednesday urged caution in security decision-making while a caretaker government is in place. He also appealed to Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara to ensure that he receives regular security briefings from Netanyahu, as there is currently no sitting opposition leader.
On Thursday, Eisenkot received a diplomatic and security briefing from Netanyahu and his military secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office. The meeting was scheduled after Eisenkot had previously said his requests for such briefings had been denied.
The Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday said all government decisions “were based solely on security considerations and in full coordination with the security establishment.”
Katz defends government's authority to order military action
On Thursday, Defense Minister Israel Katz said the government was responsible for all security decisions.
“There is one prime minister, one defense minister who directs the IDF, and one government responsible for making all decisions concerning Israel’s security and the protection of its citizens, naturally subject to the existing and necessary oversight,” he said.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir (Otzma Yehudit) criticized Liberman on Thursday.
It was impossible to achieve a “security victory when you are bound by agreements with those who oppose the very existence of the state,” he said, reiterating his criticism of the Eisenkot-led bloc’s cooperation with the Arab parties.
Liberman has maintained a hardline stance against forming a government with the Arab parties after Ra’am and the Joint List won a record-breaking 19 seats in the election.
Both Arab parties have said they are willing to support the Eisenkot-led bloc in parliamentary votes, potentially giving it a majority to pass legislation.
Richard Offenbacher contributed to this report.