Can a transitional government start a war with Iran? - explainer

President Isaac Herzog has tasked Gadi Eisenkot with forming Israel's next government, but Benjamin Netanyahu remains prime minister, retaining the powers of his office, overseeing the defense establishment, and directing Israeli policy toward Iran.The unusual political situation following the elections raises questions not only about who will succeed in forming a government, but also about who has the authority to make what could be the most consequential decision of this period: renewing Israel's military offensive against Iran, a move that could trigger another regional war.Netanyahu's position as head of a caretaker government might appear to limit his ability to make far-reaching decisions. However, an examination of Basic Law: The Government, along with Israel's legal and military precedents, presents a more complex picture.A caretaker government is not legally barred from going to war, and previous caretaker governments have overseen major military operations. The central questions are what circumstances justify such action, how the decision must be made, and whether an urgent security threat makes postponement impossible.The issue has become particularly significant amid an emerging divide between Jerusalem and Washington.US President Donald Trump, who previously supported extensive military action against Iran, has said in recent days that he sees no need to resume strikes at this stage.