Israel's Military Chief Clashes With Netanyahu Over Iran Policy

Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir recently declared a state of alert due to fears of miscalculation, signaling to the political echelon that the IDF wishes to avoid provocative statements and actions against Iran. This was intended to prevent an Iranian response, whether from miscalculation or a preemptive strike against a potential US-Israeli attack. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz have continued their threats, raising Iranian concerns that an attack might occur before the US midterm elections in a week.

Reports indicate a sharp confrontation between Zamir and Netanyahu. Zamir received directives from the political echelon and requested an in-depth discussion and legal authorization before proceeding with any action. A security source described the potential operation as one that could lead to a swift conflict with Iran at a sensitive time, risking a misjudgment of the situation. Discussions held recently in Palmachim were described as highly tense.

Netanyahu denied any conflict with Zamir regarding Iran policy, stating, "There is no conflict. Someone is trying to obscure the fact that the Chief of Staff himself said Iran is trying to harm the elections." He was referring to reports that Iran is attempting to influence the US elections.

Meanwhile, Iraq suspects that two sites storing air defense systems, likely optical-guided anti-aircraft missiles transferred from Iran to pro-Iranian militias, were hit in airstrikes last week. These missiles were intended to serve as a forward defense line in eastern Iraq against Israeli aircraft and drones in case of an Israeli attack on Iran. A limited report in Arab media suggested a prior Israeli strike using drones or precision missiles, which Israel and Iraq have not confirmed.

Netanyahu reportedly aimed to assist Saudi Arabia and Iranian Kurds in northern Iraq, who are also targeted by militias. Zamir, however, is believed to be satisfied with current Israeli actions, possibly in coordination with the US. He fears that media reports could compel Iran to aid its loyal Shiite militias, potentially even financially, to maintain their operations and pay salaries through the Quds Force.

Following the US withdrawal from Iraq in late September, Iran's Revolutionary Guard is reportedly exploiting the situation to use Iraqi Shiite militias as an air defense shield for Iran and as a support for the Houthis against Saudi Arabia. An October 17 report mentioned the pro-Iranian Al-Hashd Al-Shaabi militia claiming to have controlled a munitions depot explosion near Baghdad, resulting in five minor injuries. An investigation into the incident's circumstances is reportedly underway, with no findings yet published.