Israeli war cabinet orders military to prepare for possible Iran attack — report

Detailed summary

War cabinet's reported directives raise concerns over a possible confrontation with Iran as Netanyahu leads a caretaker government.

Israel's war cabinet has instructed the armed forces to step up preparations for a potential attack on Iran, Israeli public broadcaster KAN reported.

"The directives issued by the security cabinet to the Israeli military could lead it to carry out activities that could trigger a war," the broadcaster stated.

KAN noted that the directives emerged publicly after Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot issued a statement urging caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to refrain from launching unnecessary attacks until the incoming government is formally established.

The war cabinet last convened on October 5, three weeks prior to the October 27, general election.

Eisenkot, who has been tasked with forming Israel's next administration, warned Netanyahu against initiating security or military offensives in the absence of an immediate peril.

In a formal letter addressed to Netanyahu, the Yashar leader highlighted that the prime minister is presiding over a transitional government that lacks parliamentary legitimacy, news website Ynet reported.

"Only 46 Knesset members still support your continued tenure as prime minister," Eisenkot wrote, emphasising that Netanyahu bears an obligation to exercise strict caution when determining national security policy during a sensitive political transition.

"The deployment of security forces without a direct and immediate threat that cannot be delayed could have devastating consequences for Israeli democracy and public trust in government institutions," Eisenkot cautioned.

The prime minister-designate called on Netanyahu to show national restraint and responsibility, warning specifically against "dangerous moves" that ought to await the swearing-in of a government backed by the Knesset's confidence.

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