Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mossad chief Roman Gofman reportedly planned a military operation against Iran just before the October 27 Israeli elections, according to a leaked report. The plan was halted after a security operative inadvertently alerted the United States, prompting immediate intervention from Washington. This development was reported by Channel 12, which highlighted opposition from senior officials within Israel’s security establishment. These officials were concerned that the operation could escalate tensions with Iran and potentially disrupt the electoral process.

The report indicates that despite opposition, preparations for the operation continued until the accidental alert to the U.S. The intervention by Washington effectively stopped the operation from proceeding. Netanyahu’s office has denied the report, stating that the prime minister had clarified that an attack before the elections was not on the agenda.

The incident adds to ongoing tensions between Netanyahu and senior military officials regarding actions against Iran. On October 25, just two days before the elections, Channel 12 reported an intense confrontation between Netanyahu and Israeli military chief of staff Eyal Zamir over the proposed military action. Zamir reportedly resisted the plan, seeking further deliberations and legal documentation from Netanyahu to authorize the action. Concerns were raised that the operation could provoke a confrontation with Iran at a critical time.

Unnamed sources cited by Channel 12 suggested that military leaders were worried about the political leadership’s motives, suspecting that the Iranian issue was being used for political gain. On October 26, reports noted that Zamir was the only senior security chief opposing the military action sought by Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, amid fears of escalation with Iran and electoral disruption.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, a critic of Netanyahu, described the planned operation as a “provocation” involving Iran, orchestrated via the Mossad without the knowledge of the IDF chief of staff. The New York Times corroborated these reports, stating that Netanyahu had been pushing for an airstrike on Iran, which was blocked by Zamir. The military chief was concerned about a separate operation that could provoke an Iranian response.

This revelation comes amid diplomatic efforts to end the conflict between the United States and Iran, with Qatar mediating between the two sides. On November 1, Channel 12 reported that Netanyahu had urged U.S. President Donald Trump to resume military actions against Iran immediately after the November 3 U.S. midterm elections. However, Trump preferred to allow more time for negotiations with Tehran, fearing that a diplomatic agreement could ease pressure on Iran.

Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani stated that significant progress had been made in negotiations, expressing hope for a good agreement despite the challenges. President Trump also commented on the situation, asserting that the U.S. had the upper hand in the conflict with Iran and emphasizing ongoing diplomatic talks.

The thwarted operation highlights the complex dynamics of Israeli politics and its implications for U.S.-Israel relations, especially in the context of ongoing regional tensions. The leak raises questions about the motivations behind the planned operation and the potential consequences had it proceeded. The situation remains delicate, with diplomatic efforts continuing to address the broader conflict involving Iran.