IDF says Chief of Staff’s decisions are driven by security, not politics
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The Israeli military clarified that its operations are based on security considerations and denied political influence in a reported dispute with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over possible action against Iran.
The Israel Defense Forces issued a statement on Monday responding to recent media reports about a disagreement between IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding a potential military move against Iran. The army said Zamur’s actions are guided solely by security, professional and non-partisan factors, and that the force remains on high alert amid the upcoming election period.
"The operational activities and factors considered by the IDF are based solely on security, professional, substantive, and nonpartisan considerations, and any other discussion is misleading and irrelevant," the statement read.
According to Israeli Channel 12, Zamir was instructed by political leaders to carry out an operation that could quickly escalate tensions with Iran. Zamir reportedly asked for a detailed discussion and formal authorization before proceeding, expressing concern that the political leadership might be seeking to use the Iran front for electoral advantage.
Prime Minister Netanyahu later denied the report, stating on Channel 14 that there is no confrontation and that attempts were being made to misrepresent his position on Iran’s alleged interference in the election.