Jerusalem:Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir have reportedly clashed over a proposed military operation linked to Iran that could potentially escalate tensions ahead of Israel's election.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the disagreement between Netanyahu and Zamir centers around a military operation that might trigger conflict with Iran. Channel 12 reported that Zamir demanded a comprehensive discussion and legal authorization from political leaders before implementing such instructions. The specifics of the operation remain undisclosed.

Concerns have been raised by military officials that the political leadership could leverage the situation with Iran for electoral advantage ahead of the parliamentary vote on October 27. A security official cautioned that the operation might swiftly lead to a confrontation with Iran, posing risks of miscalculation during a sensitive period.

Netanyahu, however, denied any clash with Zamir, asserting in an interview with Israel's Channel 14 that there is "no confrontation." Political figures have also dismissed allegations that the Iranian issue is being used for electioneering purposes, as noted by Channel 12.

In the same interview, Netanyahu revealed he had directed the Mossad intelligence agency and the military to act towards the goal of toppling Iran's government. Channel 12 could not confirm if the secretive operation was related to these instructions.

Netanyahu further claimed that Iran has resumed its nuclear activities, framing the upcoming election as critical to Israel's survival. Earlier, he shared an AI-generated image depicting a nuclear explosion over Tel Aviv, warning of the dangers of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons. This action was criticized by opposition leaders Gadi Eisenkot and Yair Golan, who accused him of inciting fear and panic before the election.