Experts say Netanyahu's caretaker role could limit him but not rule out war with Iran

Summary

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to face more constraints as caretaker prime minister after the election, but experts say his government could still retain significant powers, including over waging war on Iran. The Financial Times reports that the vote leaves the door open to an Iran attack, and that Netanyahu could launch a fresh bombing campaign with the US while he serves as caretaker during coalition talks, according to security experts. The Times of Israel reports the same limits and retained war powers as a possible Iran attack looms. It also reports that a Likud defense minister called Eisenkot's warning that the prime minister could exploit security issues for his own ends "undemocratic", and described the IDF as a "full partner" that "will carry out any decision necessary".

Timeline

1. Straits Times

   28 Oct 2026, 15:16 UTCSource ↗

   The Straits Times reports that Netanyahu is expected to face more constraints as caretaker prime minister after the election, but experts say his government could still retain significant powers, including over waging war on Iran.

2. Times of Israel

   28 Oct 2026, 16:29 UTCSource ↗

   The Times of Israel reports that Netanyahu's caretaker role will limit him but he will retain war powers as a possible Iran attack looms, and that a Likud defense minister slammed Eisenkot's "undemocratic" warning that the PM could exploit security issues for his own ends.

3. Financial Times

   29 Oct 2026, 05:00 UTCSource ↗

   The Financial Times reports that the Israeli vote leaves the door open to an Iran attack, as security experts say Netanyahu could launch a fresh bombing campaign with the US while serving as caretaker prime minister during coalition talks.