Netanyahu, Mossad chief planned Iran operation before Israel election, then US stepped in: Report

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought to advance a military operation against Iran just days before the country's October 27 election, with the approval of Mossad chief Roman Gofman, according to a report by Israeli broadcaster Channel 12. However, the plan was halted after the United States became aware of the preparations, the report stated.

Israeli officials feared the operation could lead to a dangerous escalation with Iran and potentially delay the election. The operation, whose specifics were not disclosed, had reportedly been gaining momentum before an Israeli official's misstep allowed the Americans to learn about it. Channel 12 did not specify the targets within Iran that were under consideration.

Netanyahu's office denied the report, asserting that an attack before the elections was not on the table. The Mossad chief, Roman Gofman, reportedly backed Netanyahu's Iran plan, while other senior security officials opposed it due to timing and potential consequences. The conflict between Netanyahu and Israel Defence Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir over the proposed operation prior to the election was also detailed in a previous Channel 12 investigation.

Both parties were concerned about the political implications of the move, with Zamir wanting detailed discussions and legal authorization from the political leadership. Netanyahu dismissed the earlier report as "nonsense" during an interview with Channel 14, claiming no confrontation with Zamir. The report comes amid ongoing discussions between Israel and Iran, with Qatar mediating efforts to end the conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has been urging US President Donald Trump to resume military strikes against Iran, while the President prefers to allow more time for negotiations. A direct and forceful conversation between the two leaders was reported earlier in the week.