Israel deepens isolation over renewed attack; calls for restraint from Israeli prime minister

[Cairo Current Affairs] Israel's interim Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is becoming increasingly isolated over the upcoming renewed attack on Iran. Eisenkot, leader of the centrist opposition party Yashar, who was entrusted with forming the government, and the military's top chief, Chief of Staff Zamir, have called for restraint one after another. It appears that Mr. Netanyahu is using the attack as an excuse to appeal for national unity and try to remain in power.

In a letter to Netanyahu released on the 11th, Eisenkot requested that the use of force other than in response to "immediate and direct threats" be left to the new government, which has received the confidence of Congress. He announced that he has requested the attorney general to monitor military actions to ensure they are in accordance with the law. On the 13th, he posted on X (formerly Twitter) that national security "must not be used as a means to gain political advantage," openly discouraging Mr. Netanyahu.

Mr. Zamir, who dislikes intertwining partisan strategy with military actions, is reported to have chastised Mr. Netanyahu many times. Before the general election, it was reported that there was an ``unprecedented conflict'' between the two men, but on the 10th, commercial broadcaster Channel 12 reported that their ``differences of opinion have flared up again'' during a recent closed-door meeting.

There is also a rift in the relationship with US President Trump, who is his backer. Before the U.S. midterm elections, Trump had threatened to make another attack as soon as possible, in line with Netanyahu's wishes, but after his crushing election defeat, he changed his stance toward caution. His recent phone conversation with Netanyahu reportedly involved a "hell of a shouting match."

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Katz defended Mr. Netanyahu on the 12th, saying, ``He does not need approval from the opposition party or any legal authority for instructions to the military.''

Mr. Eisenkot was recommended by a majority in the new parliament and was instructed by President Herzog to form a government, but talks to form a coalition with Jewish opposition parties and Arab parties appear to be stalling. Mr. Netanyahu appears to be hoping that by resuming the attacks, he will once again portray himself as a ``strong leader,'' and that this will lead to the establishment of a ``government of national unity'' centered on the right-wing Likud party he leads.