Gadi Eisenkot, tasked with forming Israel's next government, warned caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against launching military or security operations without an immediate threat, according to the Israeli media.
In a letter to Netanyahu, Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party, said the prime minister was heading a caretaker government that no longer enjoyed the confidence of the Knesset, Israel's parliament, Ynet news website reported on Wednesday.
“Only 46 Knesset members still support your continued tenure as prime minister,” said Eisenkot.
He stressed that Netanyahu had a responsibility to exercise particular caution when making security and national decisions during the politically sensitive transition period.
“The deployment of security forces without a direct and immediate threat that cannot be delayed could have devastating consequences for Israeli democracy and public trust in government institutions,” he warned.
Eisenkot urged Netanyahu to demonstrate national responsibility and restraint, warning against “dangerous moves” that could wait until a new government enjoying the Knesset's confidence was sworn in.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog formally tasked Eisenkot with forming a government on Sunday after parliamentary factions representing 67 lawmakers recommended him, compared with 46 backing Netanyahu. Seven lawmakers declined to recommend either candidate.
Eisenkot has 28 days to form a governing coalition, with a possible 14-day extension.
The mandate followed Israel's October 27 parliamentary elections, in which Netanyahu's bloc secured 53 seats, the opposition 48 and Arab parties 19 in the 120-member Knesset, leaving neither main bloc with an outright majority.
Eisenkot's efforts to form a government have been complicated by disagreements among prospective coalition partners about cooperation with Arab parties and military service exemptions demanded by ultra-Orthodox factions.
Eisenkot and Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Lieberman agreed Monday to pursue negotiations with ultra-Orthodox parties, while Lieberman has rejected forming a government dependent on Arab parties.
Meanwhile, Democrats party leader Yair Golan said on Wednesday that a new government could be formed within three weeks, advocating cooperation with the United Arab List (Ra'am) and support from the Arab Joint List.
