Israeli caretaker Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has discussed the possibility of launching fresh military attacks against Iran with Gadi Eisenkot, who has been assigned the responsibility of forming Israel’s next government, according to Israeli media reports on Friday.
Channel 12 reported that the two leaders met on Thursday, during which Netanyahu shared intelligence concerning Iran with Eisenkot.
An informed source cited by the broadcaster suggested that the intelligence presented during the meeting could influence Eisenkot’s assessment of Netanyahu’s intentions to resume military operations against Tehran.
However, Channel 12 reported that Eisenkot was unaware of Mossad chief Roman Gofman’s visit to Washington to discuss the Iran issue. The broadcaster did not clarify whether Eisenkot had intentionally been excluded from information about the visit.
The meeting took place during Israel’s political transition, following the parliamentary elections on October 27, in which Netanyahu’s political bloc lost its majority. Eisenkot was subsequently tasked with forming a new government.
Eisenkot had previously cautioned Netanyahu against launching unnecessary military operations before the new administration was established.
Military Reservations Over Timing
Meanwhile, Israel’s public broadcaster KAN reported that military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir supports the possibility of an operation against Iran but considers the present circumstances unsuitable.
According to the broadcaster, Zamir believes any military action should be carefully coordinated with the United States and undertaken only when the appropriate timing and conditions are in place.
KAN quoted an unnamed security source as saying that the Israeli military does not currently consider Iran an immediate threat that would justify another attack. The source also indicated that the army had warned against becoming involved in an extended war of attrition.
The security source dismissed the possibility of renewed military confrontation in the coming weeks.
Channel 12 had earlier reported disagreements between Netanyahu and Zamir over decisions that could trigger another conflict with Iran. However, Netanyahu’s office rejected those claims.
Mossad Chief’s Visit to Washington
Separately, Haaretz reported on Friday that Gofman had met CIA Director John Ratcliffe in Washington and was expected to hold discussions with US envoy Steve Witkoff.
The visit was reportedly part of Israel’s efforts to obtain American backing for potential renewed military action against Iran.
Channel 13 reported that Gofman intended to present intelligence regarding Iran’s nuclear programme, its development of long-range missiles and Israel’s allegations that Tehran had breached agreements with Washington.
Haaretz said that neither American nor Israeli officials had provided further details about the visit.
Israeli media reports suggest that Netanyahu is increasingly concerned about the possibility of Washington reaching an agreement with Tehran that could reduce pressure on Iran without adequately addressing its nuclear activities and missile capabilities.
The developments have also raised concerns among sections of Israel’s opposition, particularly over the possibility that military decisions taken during the political transition could influence the formation of the country’s next government.
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