Israeli media reports deepening rift between Netanyahu and army chief over Iran preparations ahead of elections

Tensions between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir have intensified ahead of the Knesset elections, amid disagreements over military preparations involving Iran and reports that Netanyahu intends to dismiss Zamir if he remains in power.

Israeli television Channels 12 and 13 reported Monday evening that the dispute had escalated into a confrontation over potential military actions involving Iran and the ongoing Israeli military operation in Hebron.

According to Channel 13, Netanyahu said during closed-door discussions, “I will fire the Chief of Staff if I win the election.”

Channel 12 also cited sources familiar with the matter who said Zamir was unlikely to remain in his position if Netanyahu were tasked with forming the next government, even if the army chief did not voluntarily resign.

Zamir was appointed by Netanyahu to succeed former Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi.

According to three sources cited by Channel 12, the central disagreement does not concern an immediate Israeli strike on Iran, but rather military preparations resembling those undertaken before previous confrontations with Tehran.

Zamir reportedly opposed conducting these preparations immediately before the elections, warning that a miscalculation could trigger an Iranian response and potentially disrupt the electoral process.

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The details were cleared for publication by Israel’s military censor. However, the report did not explain why the preparations were considered necessary before the vote rather than being postponed for several days.

Channel 12 reported that Zamir appeared increasingly isolated within Israel’s senior security establishment.

According to the channel, Netanyahu’s position was supported by Mossad Director Roman Gofman, who reportedly warned that “time is not on our side,” as well as Defense Minister Israel Katz and Shin Bet Director David Zini.

Reports differed, however, regarding the positions of Air Force Commander Omer Tishler and Military Intelligence chief Shlomi Binder.

Political sources claimed that both officials supported Netanyahu, while security sources indicated that they sided with Zamir.

Separately, Channel 13 reported that the political leadership had presented security agencies with a signed document over the weekend concerning a potential operation against Iran.

According to the report, the proposed initiative was ultimately rejected following objections from Zamir and senior Mossad officials.

It remains unclear whether the document fulfilled the formal legal requirements previously requested by Zamir, who had reportedly sought written authorization and a detailed discussion of the directives issued to the military.

The reported confrontation highlights disagreements within Israel’s political and security leadership over the timing and risks of military preparations involving Iran, particularly as the country approaches parliamentary elections.

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