By: IndoUS Tribune News Desk

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied reports of a confrontation with Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir over a proposed military action related to Iran, days before Israel’s October 27 election.

Israel’s Channel 12 reported on Sunday, citing unnamed sources, that Zamir had requested further discussions and formal, signed legal authorization from the political leadership before carrying out an unspecified directive. The broadcaster did not disclose the precise nature of the proposed action or confirm whether it involved a new strike on Iran.

According to the report, military officials were concerned that the action could trigger a rapid escalation with Iran at a politically sensitive moment. Some sources also raised concerns that the political leadership might be seeking electoral advantage by emphasizing the Iranian threat. These allegations have not been independently established.

Netanyahu dismissed the report during an interview with Israel’s Channel 14, saying there had been no confrontation. He also said he had instructed the military and the Mossad intelligence agency to work toward toppling Iran’s government. However, the broadcaster’s report did not establish whether those instructions were directly connected to the disputed military directive.

Defense Minister Israel Katz also rejected reports of a rift between the government and the military, describing them as baseless and insisting that coordination remained in place. He said Israel had no intention of initiating an attack on Iran before the election, while warning that the country would respond forcefully if attacked.

The controversy comes as Netanyahu faces a closely contested election against opposition figures, including former army chief Gadi Eisenkot. Polls published on October 23 indicated that neither major political bloc was projected to secure the 61 seats required for a parliamentary majority, raising the prospect of continued political uncertainty.

The reported disagreement has renewed questions about the relationship between Israel’s political leadership and military command. However, the details of the proposed operation remain undisclosed, and Netanyahu and Katz have publicly denied claims of a serious dispute.