Security Chiefs Clash Over Iran Strike, Hebron Operations

Tensions have reportedly surfaced within Israel's security leadership, primarily between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, concerning potential actions against Iran and military operations in Hebron. According to reports by journalist Yaron Avraham, Zamir expressed concerns that a possible move against Iran could lead to an escalation due to a miscalculation of the adversary's response, especially given the sensitive pre-election timing. Zamir reportedly received an directive from the political echelon but requested a thorough discussion and legal justifications before its execution, though details of the directive and the operation remain undisclosed. One security source described the potential action as one that could lead to a "swift confrontation with Iran at a sensitive and dramatic juncture." There are also reported concerns within the military that the Iran issue might be exploited for political purposes, a claim dismissed by political sources as "utter falsehoods."

The dispute was also evident during a tense visit to Palmachim, with one senior security official quoted as saying, "History will not forget the role Zamir played in recent days." These details were cleared for publication by military censorship.

Adding to the friction, according to News 12 commentator Yossi Yehoshua, is a disagreement over intensified military activity in Hebron following a recent attack. Zamir reportedly opposes the continuation of the political echelon's directive for operations in Judea and Samaria, while Netanyahu and the Defense Minister favor it. The military had believed that maintaining forces in the area and keeping residents out of their homes was no longer effective, but the discovery of a tunnel near a militant's home has led the political echelon to reconsider withdrawing forces.

Reporter Gili Cohen also reported on the tension, citing concerns within the security establishment about extraneous considerations influencing decision-making. Senior officials had reportedly expressed reservations last week about an Iran operation before the elections. Cohen also mentioned the dispute regarding the Hebron operations.

However, journalist Noam Amir criticized the media's handling of the story, particularly the portrayal of the Chief of Staff as obstructing the Prime Minister. Amir suggested that such publications at this time raise questions about the line between professional military stances and political interference, stating the conduct "looks like complicity in a campaign."

The Prime Minister's office vehemently denied the reports, calling them "complete fake news." The IDF spokesperson also refuted the claims, stating that the military is focused on its missions and maintaining high alert across all fronts due to various threats and the sensitive period. The spokesperson emphasized that IDF operational activities and considerations are solely security, professional, substantive, and state-oriented.