Israel’s military chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, is reportedly refusing to carry out an unspecified Iran related action ordered by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu until he receives signed legal authorization.
Channel 12 reports that the standoff has erupted just days before Israel’s October 27 election, while political sources call the claims false.
What Happened
Channel 12 reports that an “unprecedented confrontation” is unfolding between Netanyahu and Zamir over a military step the political leadership wants taken in relation to Iran just before Tuesday’s vote.
The network says the dispute came to a head over the past 24 hours. It adds that the report is being broadcast within the limits of Israel’s military censorship rules, so key details remain unclear.
In recent days, according to the report, Zamir received an unspecified instruction from the political echelon.
He asked for a serious discussion before acting and requested legal, signed documentation from Netanyahu for the move.
The report says relations between the two men were visibly poor at a discussion held Monday at Palmahim Airbase, where the atmosphere was described as “extremely sour.”
One senior security source was quoted as saying history will not forget Zamir’s role in recent days. Unnamed political sources denied the entire report, calling it “a complete lie.”
Why Zamir Is Resisting the Order
Channel 12 says Zamir and the military leadership are concerned that the action could trigger a flare-up with Iran at a sensitive moment.
A military source told the network the step “could lead to a flare-up with Iran, at a sensitive and dramatic moment, creating this [potential] miscalculation.”
Zamir’s position fits with comments Channel 13 reported on Thursday. At a recent private meeting, he reportedly said the military sees no indication that a strike on Iran is needed before the election.
He was quoted as adding that if the military concludes a strike is necessary, it will carry one out.
His request for signed legal documentation suggests he wants clear, formal authorization on record before the military acts on a politically driven instruction.
Concerns Over Political Timing and Miscalculation
At the heart of the dispute is a fear among military leaders that the political leadership may be trying to use the Iran issue for political gain.
Sources familiar with the matter told Channel 12 the army is worried this could push Israel into a miscalculation with Iran in the final days before the vote.
Critics have accused Netanyahu of pushing to renew the war with Iran in order to influence or delay the election. He has denied the charge.
The tension is playing out against a tense regional backdrop. Earlier Sunday, US President Donald Trump told reporters the United States will not attack Iran today.
That came hours after Netanyahu posted an AI generated image on social media showing a nuclear bomb exploding over Tel Aviv, along with a suggestion that Israel could face a second Holocaust if he is not reelected.
White House officials are reportedly worried the post could lead Iranian officials to misread Israeli intentions, which could provoke an attack and further escalate the Iran war.
The report relies on unnamed sources and has not been independently confirmed. Netanyahu’s side has flatly rejected it.
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