Arab-Israeli Conflict

Netanyahu stymied by attorney general in push for large-scale Gaza operation, reports say

Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit stopped Netanyahu by saying that the move was ”illegal without the Security Cabinet’s approval,” according to the reports.

By World Israel News Staff 

Last Friday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that a war between Israel and Hamas could happen at any moment. According to reports, he was ready to back up those words with serious actions.

Surrounded by senior officials that included IDF senior brass, members of Israel’s internal security service, the Shin Bet, and high-ranking Mossad staff, the prime minister announced his intention to take drastic measures against the terrorist group.

However, according to reports, Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit stopped Netanyahu from doing so because ”such a harsh response required the consent of the Security Cabinet.”

Mandelbit’s ruling was based on a 2018 amendment to the Israeli Basic Law on Government. According to the amendment, any large military move that’s almost certain to lead to war requires the approval of the Security Cabinet.

The need to obtain Security Cabinet approval came in response to the way certain military actions were carried out during the 2014 Gazan War. Maj. Gen. (res.) Yaakov Amidror was the driving force behind the amendment to give the Security Cabinet greater decision-making powers.

Reports say Netanyahu opposed the new requirement, arguing that the prime minister in consultation with the defense minister should have the ability to make decisions without Security Cabinet approval in cases where a fast response time was required.

Instead of launching a large military campaign, Israel responded to the rocket attacks by striking 15 strategic strongholds of the terrorist group.

According to an IDF spokesman, one of the targets hit was an underground attack tunnel that Hamas used to perpetrate attacks against Israeli’s living in the southern region of the country.

Netanyahu’s desire to launch a widescale attack against Hamas came after he was rushed off the stage during a political event in Ashdod on September 10 when the rocket alert sirens sounded. 

Thankfully, no one was hurt because the Iron Dome defense system intercepted the rocket launched from Gaza.

Share
Published by
Aaron Sull
Tags: Avichai Mandelblit Benjamin Netanyahu

Recent Posts

  • Israel News

‘A Palestinian State Government:’ Jewish Former Knesset member’s decision to join Arab party sparks outrage

Likud: 'Segalovich will not hide the fact that Mansour Abbas is unwilling to recognize Hamas…

33 minutes ago
  • Arab-Israeli Conflict

Lebanese army wants IDF to remain in country’s south, US official says

Their concern, according to the official, is that an IDF withdrawal at this stage could…

1 hour ago
  • Videos

WATCH: Bessent reveals regime officials are worrying about the plunging economy

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the Iranian regime and its elected officials are now openly…

3 hours ago
  • World News

Rep. Randy Fine denounces ‘rise of Islam in America’ at GOP Jewish confab

Fine was one of a few speakers who blasted progressive figures such as New York…

3 hours ago
  • World News

Netanyahu backs Slovenian PM in internal clash over Israel

Under Janša, the government dropped all the anti-Israel sanctions adopted by his predecessor, Robert Golob…

3 hours ago
  • Videos

WATCH: Inside Iran’s worsening economic situation

Six months into the war with the US, Iran faces severe fuel shortages, a collapsing…

4 hours ago