Katz denies reports of Netanyahu-military rift over Iran
Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz said he, Netanyahu and the IDF chief of staff are aligned on Iran, after reports that Eyal Zamir objected to strike plans.
RastinewsA statement from Katz's office said the defense minister affirmed that acting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, himself and the IDF Chief of Staff are in full agreement on every aspect of the Iran issue. Katz added that all decisions taken during this period were made responsibly and in full coordination with the military.
Israeli media had reported that Zamir opposed Netanyahu's plans to strike Iran following the October 27 election. With coalition talks underway, the reports reignited debate over whether the caretaker government has the authority to decide on war.
Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party and tasked with forming a government, warned Netanyahu in a letter sent the day before that no military action should be taken before a new government is formed unless an urgent threat arises, and requested regular security briefings.
Netanyahu and Eisenkot met in Jerusalem today. According to The Times of Israel, the security briefing at the Prime Minister's Office lasted about two hours. It was not disclosed whether Iran was discussed at the meeting.