Netanyahu Denies Clash With IDF Chief, Opposition Cries Treason
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied reports of a severe clash with IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir over Iran policy, calling the report "nonsense" and suggesting an attempt to create discord. The report claimed Zamir feared an Israeli action against Iran could cause an escalation before elections. Opposition figures, including Yair Lapid and Avigdor Lieberman, accused Netanyahu of seeking to delay elections through escalation, with Lieberman calling it "treason."
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu denied a report of a severe clash with IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir over Iran.
- Netanyahu called the report "nonsense" and suggested someone was trying to create discord.
- The report claimed Zamir feared an Israeli action against Iran could lead to an escalation near elections.
- Opposition figures accused Netanyahu of seeking to delay elections through escalation.
- Avigdor Lieberman called Netanyahu's alleged actions "treason against the state and its security."
- Yair Lapid stated, "This man has lost it. We must send him home."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday vehemently denied a Channel 12 report alleging a severe confrontation between him and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir regarding Iran. Speaking on Channel 14, Netanyahu dismissed the report as "nonsense" and suggested someone was attempting to sow discord between him and the Chief of Staff. He stated that the IDF chief, head of military intelligence, and head of the Mossad had themselves warned of Iranian attempts to interfere in Israeli elections. Netanyahu asserted that Iran is targeting him personally and the Likud party, and that Israel is preparing for potential scenarios.
The Channel 12 report, by Yaron Avraham, claimed a rare dispute arose between Netanyahu and Zamir due to the latter's concern that an Israeli action against Iran could lead to an unintended escalation near the elections. Zamir reportedly requested a thorough discussion and legal assurances from the political echelon before executing an order he received.
The report sparked sharp reactions from the opposition. Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, accused Netanyahu of trying to drag Israel into a military action to prevent elections, calling the behavior "treason against the state and its security" and urging the Chief of Staff to prevent the politicization of the IDF.
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid also attacked Netanyahu, claiming he seeks escalation with Iran to postpone elections. "This man has lost it. We must send him home," Lapid stated. Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the National Unity Party, addressed Netanyahu directly, expressing full confidence in the Chief of Staff and IDF commanders, and warning against using the military in the election campaign. "Don't dare put your political interests above the country's security," Eisenkot said.
MK Gilad Kariv of the Democrats also criticized Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, expressing support for the Chief of Staff. Kariv called on Zamir to update the Central Elections Committee chairman and the President on the developments.
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