Israel's cabinet orders military to prepare for possible Iran strike, broadcaster KAN says
Israel's security cabinet has instructed the military to step up preparations for a possible attack on Iran, public broadcaster KAN reported late Wednesday, even though the cabinet has not met in more than a month. The directives became public after the man trying to replace caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned him against military action, and the two then traded public barbs.
What KAN reported
The directives came to light after Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, wrote to Netanyahu urging restraint, Anadolu Agency reported, citing KAN. Senior security officials told KAN the military continues to prepare for a possible renewal of operations in line with the political leadership's directives, the Jerusalem Post said.
Deploying security forces without a direct and immediate threat that cannot be postponed could have devastating consequences for Israeli democracy and public trust in state institutions.
Netanyahu hits back
Netanyahu called the letter "an irresponsible move to publicly discuss sensitive security matters" and said all decisions were made in full coordination with the security establishment.
Eisenkot replied by asking why Netanyahu had refused his request for an operational briefing through official channels. He has also asked the attorney-general to make sure he receives regular security updates.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Feb. 28 | US and Israel launch strikes on Iran |
| April | Ceasefire agreed |
| June | Framework agreement reached; fighting later resumes |
| Oct. 5 | Security cabinet's last meeting |
| Oct. 27 | Israeli elections |
| Sunday | Cabinet scheduled to convene |
Source: Anadolu Agency; Jerusalem Post.
Washington's mixed signals
US President Donald Trump has signalled he sees no immediate need for more strikes, the Jerusalem Post reported. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said economic pressure is working well enough that large-scale operations are unnecessary, according to Al Jazeera.
Channel 12 reported on Tuesday that Netanyahu and army chief Eyal Zamir were again at odds over possible action against Iran, Anadolu said.