Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to lead the government in a caretaker capacity following parliamentary elections held last month, during which his coalition lost its majority. The formation of a new governing coalition could take several months as opposition parties work to assemble a majority. According to reports, Netanyahu is evaluating potential military action against Iran, a prospect that has generated significant concern among multiple stakeholders including the United States, Israeli military leadership, and politicians seeking to form the next government.
Legally, a caretaker government in Israel maintains the same authority as a fully constituted one under the country’s Basic Law. However, the Israeli Supreme Court has established a principle of “duty of restraint” requiring interim governments to avoid irreversible policy decisions unless they are genuinely urgent. Legal experts indicate that security matters represent a clear exception to this restraint principle, and that Netanyahu could present military action as urgent and in the national interest. Analysts note that the Supreme Court has historically refrained from intervening in decisions to wage war, and that parliamentary oversight is typically minimal immediately after a new parliament convenes.
On Wednesday, Israeli media reported that the security cabinet, chaired by Netanyahu, had instructed the military to increase preparation for a potential Iranian attack. Reports also indicated that Netanyahu has been in repeated contact with US President Donald Trump to advocate for a military campaign against Iran, with some conversations becoming contentious. A US military official initially suggested Washington had advised Israel to prepare for potential confrontation, though US Central Command later characterized such reports as speculation and denied confirmation.
The Israeli military establishment has reportedly expressed no sense of urgency regarding an Iran strike, an assessment presented to both Netanyahu and opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot during a security briefing. Opposition figures have insisted that Netanyahu’s caretaker government refrain from military action absent critical necessity and without full parliamentary oversight. The opposition bloc and Eisenkot have warned that initiating conflict without a direct, immediate threat could damage Israeli democracy and public confidence in government institutions.
Analysts suggest that public reaction would likely depend on circumstances and presentation. While Israelis might initially rally if confronted with incoming missiles, skepticism could emerge regarding the strategic necessity of renewed conflict, particularly if US support is lacking and senior military commanders harbor doubts. The central political question surrounding any military action would be why such measures are needed at this particular moment, especially given apparent reluctance from Washington and reservations among Israeli security officials.
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