World News
Report says Netanyahu clashed with military over possible Iran escalation
Channel 12 and CNN report Netanyahu sought Iran escalation before Israel's election; his office and Defense Minister Katz deny it.
The short version
- Israel's Channel 12 reported that Netanyahu and military chief Eyal Zamir clashed over a directive that could spark a conflict with Iran.[The Guardian]
- Netanyahu's office and Defense Minister Israel Katz deny the reports, and Katz says Israel does not plan to attack Iran before the election.[PBS NewsHour]
- CNN reported that Netanyahu tried to persuade Donald Trump to renew the assault on Iran in recent weeks.[The Guardian]
- Opposition figures Gadi Eisenkot and Avigdor Lieberman accuse Netanyahu of putting politics ahead of security, and Lieberman seeks a criminal investigation.[PBS NewsHour]
Key facts
- Israel's Channel 12 reported that Netanyahu and armed forces chief Lt Gen Eyal Zamir clashed over a military directive that could potentially spark an immediate conflict with Iran.[The Guardian]
- Netanyahu's office denied the Channel 12 report, calling it fake news.[PBS NewsHour]
- Defense Minister Israel Katz denied the report and said Israel has no intention of attacking Iran before the elections.[PBS NewsHour]
- CNN reported that Netanyahu tried to convince Donald Trump to launch a renewed assault on Iran in recent weeks.[The Guardian]
- Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot accused Netanyahu of placing his own political interests above the security of the state.[PBS NewsHour]
- Avigdor Lieberman sent a letter to Israel's attorney general demanding a criminal investigation into Netanyahu's alleged attempts to drag Israel into a war before the election.[PBS NewsHour]
What remains uncertain
- Whether Netanyahu clashed with the military or sought a renewed attack on Iran is disputed, with denials from his office and the defense minister.[PBS NewsHour · The Guardian]
- The supplied reporting contains denials and attributed reports but no official confirmation of the clash or the CNN account.[PBS NewsHour · The Guardian]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- Netanyahu reportedly pressured military to attack Iran in run-up to electionThe Guardian - World
- Netanyahu denies allegations he's escalating tensions with Iran before Israel's electionPBS NewsHour - World · Wire: associated-press