Katz to Eisenkot: Israel needs no opposition approval to act, and will keep acting on Iran 'as needed'

Defense Minister Israel Katz on Thursday rejected opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot's demand that the caretaker government hold off on major military operations, Israel National News reports.

"We do not need approval from the opposition or any legal authority to direct the IDF to carry out targeted strikes in Gaza, defensive and offensive operations in Lebanon, maintain the security zone in Syria to protect communities in the Golan, evacuate a terrorist neighborhood in Hebron... and continue offensive operations against terrorism in Judea and Samaria," Katz said.

On Iran, he added: "We have shown resolve and sound judgment in dealing with Iran as well, in full coordination with the IDF, and that is what will be now as well, in accordance with what is needed."

"Israel's security is not in transition, and it does not wait for the political processes taking place in parallel," Katz said. "There is one prime minister, one defense minister who direct the IDF, and one government responsible for decisions on everything concerning Israel's security."

Eisenkot, the Yashar! chairman tasked with forming the next government, had written to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanding restraint while a caretaker government is in office. Later Thursday, Netanyahu and Eisenkot announced in a joint statement that the prime minister will give him a diplomatic and security briefing at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem today, Israel National News reports.