Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot are due to meet on Thursday, 12 November, to discuss diplomatic developments and national security, in their first meeting since the elections and Eisenkot’s mandate to form a government.

The meeting comes amid reports that Netanyahu is seeking military action against Iran despite objections from senior Israeli security officials.

According to a joint statement issued by the two political rivals, the talks will take place at Netanyahu’s office in Jerusalem, with the prime minister’s military secretary, Guy Markizano, also attending. No further details of the agenda were disclosed.

The development follows Eisenkot’s appeal on Wednesday to Israel’s Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, asking her to intervene to ensure that he receives regular intelligence briefings.

Eisenkot argued that he was entitled to such briefings as a member of parliament entrusted with forming a government, particularly as there is currently no officially designated leader of the opposition.

His request came amid reports that Netanyahu is considering a military operation against Iran despite opposition from senior figures within Israel’s security establishment.

Eisenkot warned against military initiatives that were not dictated by an urgent security need, arguing that such actions could have “disastrous consequences” for Israeli democracy.

According to the Jerusalem Post, tensions escalated following reports of a disagreement between Netanyahu and the chief of staff of the Israel Defence Forces, Eyal Zamir, over the possibility of another military operation against Iran.

Netanyahu’s office rejected Eisenkot’s criticism, insisting that government decisions are taken solely on national security grounds and in coordination with the relevant authorities.