Security Cabinet to meet after six-week hiatus amid telling IDF to prepare for Iran strikes

Israel's Security Cabinet will meet Sunday for the first time since October 5, as the IDF maintains preparations for possible strikes on Iran amid political tensions.

Israel's Security Cabinet is scheduled to convene on Sunday for the first time in more than a month, amid the political transition and discussions of renewed strikes on Iran, KAN News reported on Thursday.

According to the report, the security cabinet had instructed the IDF to increase its readiness for a possible strike on Iran, despite not having met since October 5.

The measures the cabinet instructed the IDF to take could lead to military activity that risks triggering a broader war, the report said.

Yashar chairman MK Gadi Eisenkot, who has been tasked by President Isaac Herzog with forming the next government, has demanded that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refrain from unnecessary military operations until a new government is formed. Eisenkot also appealed to the attorney-general to ensure that he receives regular security briefings.

"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," Eisenkot wrote in a letter to Netanyahu.

Netanyahu rejects Eisenkot's criticism over security decisions

Netanyahu responded by accusing Eisenkot of acting irresponsibly.

"This is an irresponsible move to publicly discuss sensitive security matters. All decisions made by the government were based solely on security considerations and in full coordination with the defense establishment," Netanyahu said.

Eisenkot responded, saying, "If so, why did you refuse my request to receive an operational briefing through official channels, as is customary? Why are you trying to delay the convening of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, which you have not convened until next week? I will not allow a vacuum in the oversight of a government that has lost the Knesset's confidence."

IDF maintains Iran strike readiness despite Trump's push for diplomacy

The exchange comes as US President Donald Trump has signaled that he sees no immediate need for additional strikes against Iran.

In Israel, however, senior security officials told KAN that the IDF continues to prepare for a possible renewal of military operations, in line with directives from the political leadership.

The officials cautioned that the longer the situation remains unresolved, without military action or an agreement, the greater the risk that previous gains against Iran will be eroded.