The key facts

  • Israel's security cabinet instructed the military to step up preparations for a possible strike on Iran, KAN reports
  • According to the broadcaster, the directives 'could lead to actions capable of provoking a war'
  • The security cabinet's last meeting took place on October 5, weeks before the October 27 elections

Security Cabinet directives

Israel's security cabinet has instructed the military to step up preparations for a possible strike on Iran, Israel's public broadcaster KAN reported on Wednesday evening. According to the broadcaster, the directives issued to the military leadership

Political context

KAN noted that the directives became known after a statement by Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot, who called on incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to refrain from unnecessary military operations until the next government is formed. The broadcaster also recalled that the security cabinet last met on October 5 — a few weeks before the Israeli elections held on October 27. Thus, information about preparations for a possible operation emerged at a time when the country had not yet formed a new government, and the incumbent leadership is serving as a transitional cabinet.