Katz Challenges Eisenkot: We Do Not Need Opposition Approval to Direct the Army

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that the caretaker government led by Benjamin Netanyahu is not obliged to obtain the consent of its political opponents before directing the Israeli army to carry out military operations.

This comes at a time when efforts continue by the camp led by Gadi Eisenkot to form a new governing coalition.

Katz's statement came after Yesh Atid party leader Gadi Eisenkot called on Netanyahu to provide him with periodic security briefings, warning against using security forces to execute non-urgent operations during the transitional period following the elections.

In a statement published via social media platforms, Katz said: "We do not need the approval of the opposition or any legal entity to direct the Israeli army to carry out assassination operations in Gaza, defensive operations and raids in Lebanon, maintaining the security zone in Syria to protect population centers in the Golan Heights, and attacking in Hebron."

He added: "Regarding Iran, we have demonstrated determination and good judgment, in full coordination with the Israeli army, and this will remain so as circumstances dictate."

He continued: "Israel's security is not suspended, nor does it wait for parallel political processes underway."

Katz concluded his statement by saying: "There is one prime minister, one defense minister who directs the Israeli army, and one government responsible for making all decisions regarding Israel's security and protecting its citizens, which is naturally subject to existing and necessary oversight."

Eisenkot's warning to Netanyahu, and his request for the Government Legal Counsel Gali Baharav-Miara to intervene and obligate the Prime Minister to keep him informed of developments, followed reports indicating that Netanyahu was seeking to execute a military operation against Iran despite opposition from senior security officials.

Other reports indicated that Netanyahu also sought to act against Iran ahead of the October 27/Tishrei elections, but officials in the security establishment opposed this as well, fearing it would lead to escalation and spoil the voting process.