As Mossad chief visits US, fears grow Netanyahu could strike Iran to block Eisenkot
Israel's opposition leaders fear that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could exploit the transition period to reignite the Iran conflict, thereby delaying or even preventing the formation of a new government.
TEL AVIV — Israeli opposition leaders fear that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could provoke Iran into reigniting a military confrontation to prevent the formation of a new government under his rival, Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot, Israeli political sources told Al-Monitor.
Citing three sources familiar with the matter, Axios reported Friday that Mossad Director Roman Gofman is currently in Washington. According to the report, he met with CIA Director John Ratcliffe, is expected to meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and might travel to Miami to meet with White House envoy Steve Witkoff as part of Netanyahu’s efforts to press President Donald Trump to resume military operations against Iran.
The political uncertainty in Israel and Trump's continued zigzagging on Iran are adding to tensions among Israelis who are already exhausted by three years of war and the inconclusive results of the Oct. 27 elections, the sources said.
Eisenkot received the recommendations of 67 Knesset members, surpassing the 61-seat majority threshold and leaving just 46 for Netanyahu. On Sunday, President Isaac Herzog tasked Eisenkot with forming the next government. However, negotiations with potential coalition partners have proven difficult. During the 42-day transition period, Netanyahu remains in power as caretaker prime minister.
