Israel's Top Military and Political Leaders Clash Over Iran Operation, Hebron

Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir opposes a specific military operation related to Iran before the upcoming elections, fearing Tehran might interpret Israeli preparations as an attack and retaliate first. This concern, reported by Yaron Avraham on Channel 12 citing three sources familiar with the matter, contrasts with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, Mossad Chief Roman Gofman, and Shin Bet Chief David Zini, who reportedly favor proceeding with the operation without delay.

Zamir's apprehension stems from a fear of "miscalculation," where Iran might perceive Israeli actions as immediate attack preparations and initiate conflict. Similar operations were conducted in the past before "Operation With All Dogs" and "Operation Roaring Lion." During discussions, Gofman emphasized that "time is not on our side," with Zini, Netanyahu, and Katz also supporting the operation, while Zamir remains opposed to its execution before the elections.

Conflicting reports exist regarding the stances of Air Force Commander Omer Tishler and Head of Military Intelligence Shlomi Binder. Political sources claim they support Netanyahu's position, while security sources assert they back Zamir. Earlier reports indicated Netanyahu sought to advance a swift operation against Iran, but Zamir was not informed in advance. This operation, while not a broad military attack, could have potentially led to renewed escalation.

CNN reported that Netanyahu attempted to coordinate a joint strike with the United States before the Israeli elections, but President Donald Trump did not approve. A security source told CNN that Zamir warned U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Kane that an attack could lead to escalation and a postponement of Israeli elections. The White House reportedly prefers to wait until after the U.S. midterm elections on November 3, with diplomatic sources suggesting Trump fears a further attack could raise oil prices and harm Republicans.

The dispute extends beyond Iran. Gili Cohen reported on Kan News that the Chief of Staff is engaged in a "holding battle" against certain actions the political echelon wishes to advance, including the continuation of an operation in Hebron. The military leadership reportedly harbors doubts about the necessity of some actions given the sensitive political timing. Netanyahu and Katz advocate for continuing the extensive military activity in Hebron following the incident where two IDF soldiers were killed, while Zamir believes it should conclude, citing limited success in arms searches and legal difficulties in displacing residents.

Meanwhile, Yaron Avraham reported that the crisis between Netanyahu and Zamir could lead to the Chief of Staff's dismissal. Based on conversations with sources familiar with their relationship, Avraham estimated that if Netanyahu forms the next government, Zamir's chances of continuing in his role are "close to zero," and if Zamir does not resign, Netanyahu will seek to remove him. The IDF spokesperson clarified that "operational activity and considerations in the IDF are solely security, professional, substantive, and state-oriented, and any other discourse is misleading and irrelevant." Defense Minister Katz dismissed reports of disagreements with the IDF, stating that coordination with the military on Iran is complete and "there was no intention by Israel to initiate an attack on Iran before the elections in Israel." The Prime Minister's Office responded to the reports, calling them "complete fake news from beginning to end."