Leak reportedly exposed Netanyahu and Mossad chief's plan to attack Iran before Israeli election

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mossad chief Roman Gofman allegedly planned to launch an attack on Iran just before the country's October 27 election, according to Israeli media reports. The plan was reportedly foiled when an Israeli security operative mistakenly informed the United States, prompting Washington to intervene and stop the operation.

Channel 12 reported that senior security officials in Israel feared the operation could escalate tensions with Iran and postpone the election. However, Netanyahu's office denied these allegations, stating that an attack before the elections was not on the table. The reports add to growing tensions between Netanyahu and Israeli military officials over potential action against Iran in the lead-up to the election.

Two days before the election, Channel 12 revealed an "unprecedented confrontation" between Netanyahu and Israeli military chief of staff Eyal Zamir over a proposed military action. Zamir reportedly resisted carrying out the action and sought further deliberations, signing a document confirming its legal authorization. A military source quoted by Channel 12 said the action could provoke a miscalculation with Iran at a sensitive time.

Unnamed sources told Channel 12 that military leaders were concerned about the political leadership's attempts to use the Iranian issue for political gain. On the election day, Channels 12 and 13 reported that Zamir was the only senior Israeli security chief to oppose the military action, citing concerns about escalation with Iran and potential disruption of the vote. The New York Times also reported that Netanyahu had been pushing for weeks to orchestrate a new airstrike on Iran, which was blocked by Zamir.