The key facts

  • Netanyahu met with Eisenkot and, according to Channel 12, wanted to share intelligence on Iran
  • Chief of Staff Zamir supports an operation against Iran but advocates coordination with the US and choosing the right moment
  • Mossad chief Roman Gofman is in Washington, where he met with the CIA director and is expected to meet with envoy Witkoff

A Meeting During a Political Transition

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose bloc lost its parliamentary majority in the October 27 elections, discussed the possible resumption of attacks on Iran with Gadi Eisenkot, who has been tasked with forming the next government. The meeting took place on Thursday. According to Channel 12, citing an informed source, Netanyahu sought to share intelligence on Iran which, according to the source, 'could change his view' of the prime minister's motives for resuming the strikes. Eisenkot did not know that Mossad chief Roman Gofman was in Washington to discuss this issue; it is not specified whether his lack of information was intentional. Earlier, Eisenkot had warned Netanyahu against carrying out unnecessary military operations before the government is formed.

The Army: An Operation Is Possible, but Not Now

State broadcaster KAN reports that IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir supports a military operation against Iran, but does not consider the current moment suitable: he advocates coordination with the US and the choice of appropriate conditions. An unnamed source in the security establishment said the army does not see an immediate Iranian threat requiring a new attack and had warned against being drawn into a protracted war of attrition; according to him, a resumption of the war in the coming weeks is ruled out. Channel 12 previously reported disagreements between Netanyahu and Zamir over steps that could lead to a new confrontation with Iran, but the prime minister's office denied this.

The Washington Track and Concerns of Israeli Politics

The Haaretz newspaper reports that Gofman met in Washington with CIA Director John Ratcliffe and, as expected, was to meet with US envoy Steve Witkoff — as part of Israeli efforts to secure Washington's support for new strikes. Channel 13 specifies that Gofman was to present intelligence on Iran's nuclear program and the development of long-range missiles, as well as Israeli claims that Tehran has violated agreements with Washington. There have been no comments from American or Israeli authorities on the details of the visit. According to media reports, Netanyahu's actions come against the backdrop of concerns that the US and Iran may conclude an agreement that would ease pressure on Tehran without resolving questions about its nuclear program and missile capabilities. Part of the Israeli opposition, in turn, fears that military decisions made during the transfer of power could affect the formation of the next government.