Netanyahu Wants to Attack Iran Before Election, Splitting IDF and Mossad

TEL AVIV — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly urging the military to launch a new attack on Iran that could reignite hostilities ahead of Tuesday’s election. The move has the backing of Mossad chief Roman Gofman but has met strong opposition from Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom reported on Monday, 26 October 2026.

Gofman supports the proposed operation. Zamir, who was not informed of the plan in advance, has rejected it, according to the report cited by Anadolu Agency.

An anonymous source familiar with the discussions said the proposed operation could lead to a new war with Iran, although it was not intended as a repeat of a full-scale, intensive military campaign.

Channel 12 reported on Sunday night what it described as an unprecedented confrontation between Netanyahu and Zamir over political directives for a military operation, according to Palestine Chronicle. If carried out, the move could quickly escalate into an open confrontation with Tehran.

According to Channel 12, the dispute came to a head over the past 24 hours. Within the military establishment, deep concern has emerged that the Iran issue is being exploited for immediate political purposes to secure an electoral advantage ahead of the Knesset election.

Over the past week, Israeli opposition figures have made similar accusations, arguing that Netanyahu is deliberately seeking an attack on Iran to influence voters’ preferences.