The security briefing between the caretaker prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Gadi Eisenkot, who has been tasked with forming Israel's government, has begun in Jerusalem, AA reports, citing Ynet. Netanyahu's military secretary, Maj Gen Guy Markizano, is also taking part.
AA says there is no confirmation that Iran was discussed. The meeting was arranged after Eisenkot asked the Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, to make sure he received regular security briefings.
In a letter on Wednesday, Eisenkot wrote that Netanyahu no longer enjoyed the confidence of parliament, with only 46 lawmakers supporting his continued tenure, according to AA. That figure has not been independently checked.
Netanyahu called Eisenkot's public warning irresponsible. The Jerusalem Post quotes him as saying:
"This is an irresponsible move to publicly discuss sensitive security matters."
Ynet reports opposition figures accusing Netanyahu of pushing for unilateral action on Iran without US backing, despite reported opposition from the military chief, Lt Gen Eyal Zamir. Ynet also reports that the security cabinet had earlier told the military to raise readiness for scenarios involving Iran, including an Israeli strike or an Iranian surprise attack.
The security cabinet is expected to meet on Sunday, according to the Jerusalem Post and Ynet. It has not met since 5 October.