Israeli intelligence and military clash over scope of Iran operation ahead of elections

Israeli officials are reportedly at odds over the aggressiveness of a potential joint U.S.-Israel operation against Iran ahead of the upcoming elections. Mossad Director Roman Gofman is said to support using a limited window for a coordinated offensive, while IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir is reported to warn that an attack during the election season could undermine the operation’s legitimacy and be exploited politically.

Sources close to the Mossad have denied recent media reports that Gofman publicly backed an immediate strike, emphasizing instead his focus on preserving the opportunity for a joint effort with the United States. Zamir, by contrast, is described as concerned that an ill-timed attack could damage Israel’s strategic position and be used by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against political rivals.

Both agencies supported major strikes on Iran in mid-2025 and early 2026, though they previously debated leadership roles and preparation timelines. The disagreement now centers on the goals of a possible early-2026 operation, with former Mossad chief David Barnea having advocated for regime-change plans involving Kurdish forces and former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, positions the IDF has reportedly viewed skeptically.

Historically, the IDF and Mossad have also differed on broader policy issues, such as whether to return to the 2015 nuclear deal in 2022 and how to respond to Iran’s nuclear program in the early 2010s.