Politics · Other · 14 hrs ago
Israel's defence minister criticises Eisenkot over call to military
After Israel's October 27 election, opposition figure Gadi Eisenkot urged security officials to resist pressure from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Eisenkot, a former military chief, said Netanyahu was a caretaker prime minister without a mandate and that the military should serve the state.
Defence Minister Israel Katz called the appeal anti-democratic and said it was part of a campaign of lies about tensions between Netanyahu and the military.
The dispute comes as Netanyahu has threatened renewed strikes on Iran; media reports said military chief Eyal Zamir pushed back on plans, while Netanyahu denied those reports.
Early election results showed no clear path to a majority, though Netanyahu's bloc had increased its lead over the opposition, according to the available results.
A renewed Iran conflict could shape Israel's political arrangements, including the possibility of a wartime coalition, but no immediate next step was stated.
Opposition candidate Gadi Eisenkot urged Israel’s security officials to resist pressure from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Eisenkot said Netanyahu was a caretaker prime minister without a mandate and that security forces should serve the state and its citizens.
Defence Minister Israel Katz condemned Eisenkot’s appeal as anti-democratic.
The dispute comes amid speculation about renewed Israeli strikes on Iran and reports of tensions between Netanyahu and the military.
- Who
- Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief and opposition candidate, and Defence Minister Israel Katz.
- What
- Eisenkot urged security officials to resist pressure from Netanyahu; Katz denounced the appeal.
- When
- Eisenkot spoke after the election on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. Katz responded on Wednesday, October 28.
- Where
- Israel.
- Why
- Eisenkot said security forces should serve the state rather than Netanyahu’s political needs, amid speculation about renewed strikes on Iran.
Gadi Eisenkot
Israel Katz
Security officials' duty
Gadi Eisenkot
They should serve the state and Israeli citizens, and resist attempts to pressure them.
Israel Katz
Katz said Eisenkot’s call not to obey directives from the prime minister or other security authorities was anti-democratic.
Iran and security
Gadi Eisenkot
Netanyahu should not use Israel’s security for political purposes.
Israel Katz
Katz said Eisenkot’s comments were part of a “campaign of lies” about tensions between Netanyahu and the military over Iran.
Netanyahu posted a video threatening renewed attacks on Iran.
Eisenkot spoke to supporters after the election and urged security officials to resist pressure from Netanyahu.
Katz denounced Eisenkot’s appeal.
- Election speech
- October 27, 2026
- Katz’s response
- October 28, 2026
- Eisenkot’s military service
- Chief of the General Staff from 2015 to 2019, according to WELT
- Reported Iran plans
- Media reports said Netanyahu sought renewed strikes and that military chief Eyal Zamir pushed back; Netanyahu denied the reports.
3 sources
What people are saying
Stand firm in the face of any attempt to challenge you. You have my unequivocal backing. Netanyahu, do not dare use Israel's security for your political needs.
His call to senior military officials not to obey the directives of the prime minister or me or of other relevant security authorities, on the grounds that 'they have his support', is an anti-democratic statement detached from reality
a campaign of lies