Netanyahu Accused of Planning Iran Action for Election Gain
Translated & summarized from Davar by baba
Opposition leaders vehemently criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following a report that he is considering an operation in Iran before the upcoming elections for political gain. The report also alleged a confrontation between Netanyahu and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir over military concerns about escalation. Netanyahu denied the report, calling it fake news and an attempt to disrupt the elections. Opposition figures accused him of endangering national security and using the IDF for political purposes, while some security sources believe military action would not lead to regime change in Iran.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Opposition leaders accuse PM Netanyahu of planning Iran operation for political gain before elections.
- Netanyahu denies report of confrontation with Chief of Staff Zamir over Iran action.
- Gadi Eisenkot states Israel's security is not a political game for Netanyahu.
- Yair Lapid calls Netanyahu "off his rocker" and a threat to the country.
- Avigdor Lieberman calls Netanyahu's alleged actions "betrayal of the country and its security."
- Some security sources doubt military action can achieve regime change in Iran.
Opposition parties reacted sharply Sunday to a Channel 12 report alleging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing for an operation in Iran before the upcoming elections for political reasons. The report claimed a severe confrontation occurred between Netanyahu and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir due to the military's concerns about escalation with Iran if such an attack were launched before Tuesday's vote. The military reportedly believes the motivation for an attack is political advancement.
Netanyahu denied the report of a confrontation with the Chief of Staff on Channel 14, calling it a lie and stating there is an "attempt to prevent Iran from disrupting the elections in Israel." He added that Zamir himself acknowledged Iran's attempts to interfere with the elections, asserting, "We are preparing for it. It's all nonsense. Fake."
Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot criticized Netanyahu, stating, "Netanyahu, my eyes are on you. The man in whose watch the greatest disaster in the country's history occurred refuses to understand that Israel's security is not a political game, the lives of Israeli citizens and IDF soldiers are not forfeit, and the State of Israel is not his private property." He expressed full confidence in Chief of Staff Zamir and IDF commanders.
Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid accused Netanyahu of being "off his rocker," citing recent statements about the end of US security aid and impending sanctions, a video depicting an atomic bomb over Tel Aviv, and the current report about Iran. Lapid urged Netanyahu's removal from office.
Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, echoed these sentiments, stating he has "no doubt that Bibi is trying to drag Israel into a military move to prevent the elections." He called this behavior "betrayal of the country and its security" and asserted it is the Chief of Staff's duty to prevent the politicization of the IDF and protect soldiers from being endangered for the Prime Minister's fear of losing the election.
Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Movement, fully backed the Chief of Staff's professional stance, emphasizing that any military move must have clear security necessity and a responsible plan. Golan declared Netanyahu a security threat who is willing to sacrifice soldiers' lives for his own survival before elections, and that the IDF is trying to block this. He vowed to replace the current "corrupt" and "unfit" leadership.
Meanwhile, sources in Kan 11 reported that individuals close to Netanyahu and senior security officials believe that overthrowing the Iranian regime is not achievable through military action. One source suggested an attack could weaken, but not replace, the regime.
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