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Netanyahu's Iran Operation Thwarted Days Before Election
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attempted to advance a covert military operation against Iran in the days leading up to an election, according to Israeli reports. The plan was supported by Mossad Chief Roman Gofman but faced strong opposition from senior Israeli security officials, including Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. The United States ultimately intervened and blocked the operation after an Israeli source leaked details of the preparations to Washington.
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What happened
- 01Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's planned military operation against Iran was blocked by the United States shortly before elections.
- 02The operation was supported by Mossad Chief Roman Gofman but faced strong opposition from Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and other security officials.
- 03The United States intervened to halt the plan after an Israeli official leaked details of the preparations to Washington.
- 04Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir confronted Netanyahu, warning against exploiting the Iranian issue for political gain and demanding legal authorization.
- 05Israeli security officials feared the operation could trigger a rapid military escalation and potentially delay the elections.
- 06Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak criticized Netanyahu for planning a provocation against Iran without coordinating with the United States.
- 07U.S. President Donald Trump indicated American involvement in halting the operation through a tweet stating the U.S. would not attack Iran.
Israeli security officials opposed the operation due to fears of a rapid military escalation and potential Iranian retaliation that could disrupt or delay the elections. Chief of Staff Zamir confronted Netanyahu over the plan, expressing concern that the Iranian issue was being exploited for political gain before the elections, and demanded a thorough discussion and legal authorization. Security officials also worried that Netanyahu's public statements could be interpreted by Tehran as an immediate intention to attack, potentially provoking an Iranian preemptive strike.
Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak criticized Netanyahu, accusing him of planning a provocation against Iran without coordinating with the United States. Following the intervention, U.S. President Donald Trump posted a tweet stating that the U.S. would not attack Iran, which was followed by publications of mushroom cloud images over Tel Aviv. President Trump is reportedly considering whether to resume military strikes or pursue an agreement with Iran.
Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated
Latest report: Maariv. Read Maariv’s originalThe coverage
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Netanyahu's Iran Operation Thwarted Days Before Election
