Netanyahu, Mossad chief planned Iran operation before the election: Report
What's the story
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mossad chief Roman Gofman reportedly planned an operation against Iran just days ahead of Israel's October 27 election. However, the operation was called off after a United States alert, according to Channel 12 and Times of Israel. The plan faced opposition from senior Israeli security officials who feared it could escalate tensions with Iran and interfere with the election process.
Operation halt
Preparations for operation continued until Israeli security operative alerted Washington
Despite the opposition, preparations for the operation continued until an Israeli security operative inadvertently alerted Washington.
The US then intervened to prevent the operation from taking place, Channel 12 reported.
However, Netanyahu's office has rejected these reports, stating that "the prime minister himself clarified in real time that an attack before the Israeli elections was not on the agenda."
Policy divide
Trump urges Israel not to disrupt talks with Tehran
The reported operation comes amid diplomatic efforts mediating negotiations by Qatar to resolve tensions between the US and Iran.
US President Donald Trump has expressed a desire to pursue diplomacy, despite the possibility of military action.
Earlier this week, Channel 12 reported that Netanyahu had asked Trump to resume hostilities against Iran after the US midterm elections. However, Trump reportedly wanted Israel not to disrupt talks with Tehran.
Diplomatic worries
We've beaten Iran, says Trump
Netanyahu is reportedly worried that a diplomatic agreement could result in a major reduction of pressure on Iran.
When asked about Iran outside the White House on Friday, Trump said, "We've beaten Iran. We are doing very well with Iran. We're talking to Iran. We haven't lost a soldier in six or seven months."
He also reiterated his claim that Israel and the Middle East wouldn't exist today if he hadn't stopped Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.
Intervention history
Second instance of US intervention to halt Israeli military action
The latest report marks the second alleged time Washington is said to have intervened to stop Israeli military action against Iran.
Earlier, the Financial Times had reported that Trump opposed a separate Israeli plan for a more extensive offensive on Iran, which was reportedly ready to be launched on October 10.