DID Press: Israeli Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has opposed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plans for renewed military action against Iran, describing the proposed moves as ill-advised and dangerous under current circumstances, Israel’s Channel 12 television reported.
According to the report, Zamir has warned of the potential consequences of such an operation, citing the region’s sensitive situation, Israel’s domestic political climate and Washington’s declining willingness to support a military strike against Iran. The Times of Israel+1
This is not the first time disagreements between Netanyahu and the army chief over Israel’s military approach toward Iran have been reported. Earlier, Israeli Channels 12 and 13 reported that Zamir opposed a military plan pursued by Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz.
At the time, The New York Times reported that Netanyahu had sought to arrange a new airstrike against Iran, but Zamir opposed the plan, arguing that there was no immediate threat requiring military action. The army chief was reportedly concerned that such a move could trigger a miscalculation, provoke an Iranian response and lead to a wider regional war. The Times of Israel+2
Some unconfirmed reports also suggested that the plan was halted partly after details were prematurely disclosed to US officials and Washington intervened.
In response to reports of tensions between Netanyahu and Zamir, the Israeli prime minister’s office described the allegations as “fake and biased news.” Citing the confidential nature of security meetings, the office said Netanyahu had previously denied any tension or confrontation with the army chief.
Nevertheless, repeated reports of military officials opposing Netanyahu’s plans against Iran point to reported differences within Israel’s senior political and military leadership over the possible consequences of military action.