Netanyahu and Eisenkot Hold Security Talks Regarding Potential Military Action Against Iran

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a security and diplomatic briefing with Gadi Eisenkot at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem on November 12, 2026. The meeting lasted more than two hours and focused on the security and diplomatic challenges facing the country. Maj.-Gen. Guy Markizano, the military secretary to Benjamin Netanyahu, attended the discussions.

Gadi Eisenkot, the leader of the Yashar party, is currently performing the role of government formation taskholder. Following the elections held on October 27, 2026, President Isaac Herzog tasked Gadi Eisenkot with forming Israel's next government. The mandate given to Gadi Eisenkot is 28 days, though a possible 14-day extension may be applied. Gadi Eisenkot had previously sought regular security briefings and approached Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara to ensure access to such information.

Intelligence and military assessments

The discussions included intelligence assessments regarding potential military operations against Iran. Channel 12 reported that Benjamin Netanyahu sought to share intelligence on Iran with Gadi Eisenkot during the meeting. However, a separate report from Channel 13 indicated that the military assessment presented during the meeting suggested there was no immediate need for a strike.

The Israeli army maintains a cautious stance regarding new military operations. An unnamed security source told KAN that the Israeli army sees no immediate Iranian threat requiring a new attack and warned against a prolonged war of attrition. KAN also reported that IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir supports military action against Iran but believes the current timing is inappropriate and favors coordination with the United States.

The Prime Minister's office has addressed conflicting reports regarding internal military alignment. The office denied reports of disagreements between Benjamin Netanyahu and Eyal Zamir regarding military moves against Iran. Additionally, Defense Minister Yisrael Katz stated that Benjamin Netanyahu does not require permission from the opposition to make military decisions.

Diplomatic efforts and international coordination

Diplomatic efforts to secure international support are occurring alongside domestic government formation. Mossad chief Roman Gofman met CIA Director John Ratcliffe in Washington. Roman Gofman was expected to meet US envoy Steve Witkoff to secure United States support for renewed attacks on Iran.

The current political landscape in Israel remains in a caretaker state. The political bloc led by Benjamin Netanyahu lost its parliamentary majority in the October 27 elections. This loss has left Benjamin Netanyahu serving in a caretaker capacity while Gadi Eisenkot attempts to form a new government. A joint statement from Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot confirmed that both parties agreed to continue exchanging updates regarding security and diplomatic challenges.

Glossary

• Yashar party — The Yashar party is a political party. It is led by Gadi Eisenkot.
• IDF — The IDF is the Israeli military. It is involved in military operations and planning.
• Mossad — Mossad is an Israeli intelligence agency. It carries out operations involving agents.