Breaking down how Israel's elections work as Netanyahu faces opposition threat
On Tuesday, Israel will hold its first parliamentary elections since the Hamas terrorist attacks on Oct. 7, 2023. Israel has been on a war footing ever since. This election is in part a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's aggressive tactics. CBS News chief correspondent Matt Gutman reports.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office and Defense Minister Israel Katz both rejected recent reports alleging plans to dismiss IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir in the days leading up to the Knesset elections. Katz dismissed the claims as a "complete fabrication" and part of efforts to harm the Likud Party ahead of the Tuesday elections.
Katz stated that he had personally recommended Zamir for the position and affirmed that their cooperation would continue. Netanyahu's office also rejected the reports in a brief statement on X/Twitter, stating that the allegations were "complete fake news." Former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yashar Party, clarified that Zamir would only leave his position when the law requires, while Netanyahu would step down after the elections and formation of the next government.
The reports of tensions between Netanyahu and Zamir centered around a potential Israeli strike on Iran, with Channel 12 News reporting on a clash between the two over the issue earlier in the week. The IDF Spokesperson's Unit emphasized that military decisions were made based on security, professional, and national interests, and any portrayal of otherwise was misleading.
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- 'Complete fabrication': Netanyahu, Katz deny plans to fire IDF chief Zamir ahead of election jpost.com
- Iran says Israeli election outcome will make ‘no difference’ malaymail.com
- Israeli media: At Netanyahu's request, Israeli officials discussed preparations for striking Iran middleeasteye.net
- Opponents accuse Netanyahu of stoking tensions with Iran before Israel's election france24.com
- Netanyahu faces Israeli voters in first election since Oct. 7 and Gaza war pbs.org
- Israel rules out attack on Iran before elections dailytimes.com.pk
- Netanyahu meets with police chief, says 'left-wing anarchists' could disrupt election haaretz.com
- Opponents accuse Netanyahu of stoking tensions with Iran before Israel's election mainichi.jp
