Gadi Eisenkot warns Benjamin Netanyahu over potential military action against Iran

On November 11, 2026, Gadi Eisenkot, who has been mandated to form the new Israeli government, issued a formal warning to outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Eisenkot urged Netanyahu to exercise restraint regarding national security decisions, specifically cautioning against initiating military operations without an immediate and direct threat. The warning, posted on the X platform, suggests that such actions could have catastrophic consequences for Israel's democracy and public trust in state institutions.

The tension follows remarks made by Netanyahu during the swearing-in ceremony of the new parliament on November 10, where he identified Iran as an "existential threat," claiming the country is working to re-establish a nuclear weapons program. While Eisenkot did not explicitly name Iran in his letter, his statements are widely interpreted as a direct response to Netanyahu’s rhetoric.

Eisenkot further warned against using security operations for political survival. This exchange highlights deepening divisions between the incoming administration and the outgoing leader during a highly sensitive period for Israel's security. As of now, the situation remains fluid, with no official response from Netanyahu regarding the request for national responsibility.