The dispute between Netanyahu and Eyal Zamir worsened: “I can’t stand to see him.”

Tel Aviv - Ofoq News - The dispute between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has escalated, amid estimates that the chances of Zamir remaining in his position will be slim if Netanyahu forms the next government after the elections, according to what Israeli Channel 12 reported.

The report quoted a source familiar with the details as saying, “Netanyahu cannot stand seeing Zamir,” while others suggested that Zamir would not resign from his position, but Netanyahu might dismiss him even though he was the one who appointed him as chief of staff.

According to reports, the dispute began against the backdrop of a discussion regarding a possible operation that might lead to a confrontation with Iran close to the elections.

Zamir received directives from the political level, but he asked for an in-depth discussion before implementing it. He also requested to obtain legal documents signed by the political level supporting this step.

A security source described the operation as potentially leading to a quick confrontation with Iran, warning against making a wrong decision at a sensitive time.

Fears of using the Iranian file electorally

The report indicated that the army leadership fears that the political level will exploit the Iranian file to achieve political goals during the electoral campaign.

The fear is that a security step with regional repercussions will lead to an escalation in a politically and security-sensitive period, to the point that Iranian missiles may prevent the elections from being held on time.

On the other hand, Netanyahu's office described the reports as "completely fake news from beginning to end," while Netanyahu stressed that he "will not dismiss the Chief of Staff if elected."

For his part, the head of the Yashar Party, Gadi Eisenkot, said, commenting on what was published, “Chief of Staff Zamir will complete his duties according to the date specified in the law.”

Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz also denied the reports, describing the news about the intention to dismiss Zamir as “a fabrication and an absolute lie,” considering it similar to what he said were other lies published during the past twenty-four hours in the security field with the aim of harming the Likud Party ahead of the elections.

Katz added that he recommended appointing Zamir as chief of staff, and that they would work with Ofek News for the security of Israel, claiming “unprecedented historical achievements” and stressing his intention to continue working with him in the future.