IDF insists its decisions are security-based, not political, amid Netanyahu dispute
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The Israeli military said its actions are driven by security and professional considerations, while reports described a clash with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over a possible strike on Iran and concerns about election-season manipulation.
The Israel Defense Forces issued a statement on Monday after media reports surfaced about a disagreement between IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over a possible military move against Iran. The army said Zamir’s actions are guided solely by security, professional and non-partisan factors, and that the force remains on high alert as the country heads into an 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 inflame tensions with Iran. Zamir reportedly demanded a detailed discussion and formal authorization before moving ahead, amid concern that the political leadership could be trying to exploit the Iran front for electoral gain.
Prime Minister Netanyahu later denied the report, saying on Channel 14 that there was no confrontation and that efforts were being made to distort his position on Iran’s alleged interference in the election.