Netanyahu and Eisenkot issue joint statement on security briefing

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot announced a joint security and political briefing in Jerusalem, following a public clash over Eisenkot's demand for security updates during the transition government.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot today (Thursday) issued an unusual joint statement to the media, announcing a political-security briefing meeting to be held at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem. The meeting will also be attended by the Prime Minister's Military Secretary, Major General Guy Markizano. The statement comes a day after a sharp confrontation between the two, during which Eisenkot appealed to Netanyahu demanding that he refrain from making significant security decisions during the transitional government period. At the same time, Eisenkot turned to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, requesting her intervention to ensure he receives ongoing security and intelligence updates, following the swearing-in of the 26th Knesset and the end of Yair Lapid's term as opposition leader. Netanyahu's office claimed that the prime minister initiated the briefing even before Eisenkot's appeal. Netanyahu criticized Eisenkot for conducting a public discussion on sensitive issues. The meeting takes place against the backdrop of political tensions between Likud and Yashar.