Can military action topple Iran's regime? Netanyahu's inner circle has doubts
Figures in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's inner circle and senior members of Israel's defense establishment believe that the Iranian regime cannot be overthrown through military force alone, Kan News reported on Sunday evening. According to the report, one individual close to Netanyahu recently expressed skepticism that a military operation could bring about a change of government in Tehran, arguing that such action could damage the regime's capabilities without removing it from power.
The assessment differs from Netanyahu's recent statements, in which he called for completing the mission of toppling the Iranian regime during the remaining two years of US President Donald Trump's term. However, Netanyahu himself expressed a similar position in March, when he emphasized that responsibility for changing Iran's leadership ultimately rests with its citizens. "Our aspiration is to bring the Iranian people to cast off the yoke of tyranny.
Ultimately, it depends on them," Netanyahu said at the time. Earlier on Sunday, President Trump told the press that no American strike against Iran was expected that day. Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported that Qatari mediators had arrived in Tehran for discussions. On Friday evening, Kan News reported that the Israeli and American militaries had made preparations for another operation against Iran, the third such potential military campaign within approximately six months.
However, no attack plan had received final approval. The preparations followed Trump's instructions to US Central Command to develop options for striking Iran, without specifying a date for carrying out an operation. The directive also prompted increased vigilance within Israel's defense establishment. Last week, Kan News reported that Israeli security officials had raised objections to conducting an attack on Iran before the upcoming elections, concerned that such an operation could be viewed as political interference in the electoral process.
Left out here: Leaves out what changes the picture
Other outlets reported the same Sunday that IOF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir was resisting an order from Netanyahu for military action that could set off a confrontation with Iran before the election. He had sought signed legal authorisation, and military leaders were concerned the political leadership was trying to use the Iranian issue for political benefit. Netanyahu denied the report. The article does not mention any of this. It describes the officials' concern only as worry that an attack "could be viewed as political interference". Without these facts a reader believes the objections were general caution about appearances, not resistance to a specific order from the prime minister.
How we know
- Times of Israel reported“Zamir had been resisting carrying out the military action, no details of which were provided, and sought further deliberations, as well as signed documentation from Netanyahu regarding legal authorization for it”In ‘unprecedented confrontation,’ IDF chief said resisting Netanyahu’s order for military action tied to Iran (opens in a new tab)
- The Jerusalem Post reported“Zamir and additional IDF leadership are concerned that the political echelon may be trying to exploit the front with Iran ahead of elections for political gain”IDF chief pushed back on Netanyahu order for ‘action’ against Iran, fearing political motives (opens in a new tab)
Officials also noted that a military campaign could affect the timing of the elections, necessitate extensive reservist mobilization, and have other consequences. These concerns were also raised during discussions between IDF Chief of Staff LTG Eyal Zamir and his American counterpart.
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