Report: Netanyahu likely to fire IDF chief if reelected; Zamir alone in opposing Iran-related pre-election move, with Mossad and Shin Bet chiefs in favor

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is likely to dismiss IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir if he forms the next government, Channel 12 reports, amid reports of a deepening rift over the premier’s demand for military preparations related to Iran ahead of tomorrow’s election.

Citing multiple sources involved in recent security talks on the matter, Channel 12 says the rift is considered irreparable and that Zamir is unlikely to remain in his post, though he might resign before he is fired.

Shortly after the report, the Prime Minister’s Office dismisses “reports about the premier and the chief of staff” as “totally fake news from start to finish.”

Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have denied earlier reports of a confrontation with Zamir over Iran-related military action, with Katz insisting that Israel had no intention to strike Iran before the election.

According to the Channel 12 report, Zamir is alone among Israel’s senior security chiefs in opposing the military preparations sought by Netanyahu and Katz, warning that Tehran could misinterpret the moves and launch a preemptive attack.

Mossad chief Roman Gofman and Shin Bet chief David Zini reportedly support proceeding without delay, with Gofman said to have warned during the discussions that “time is not on our side.”

The network says it could not establish where Air Force commander Omer Tischler and Military Intelligence chief Shlomi Binder, who were also present in the discussions, stand on the matter.