Netanyahu pushed for a strike on Iran before today's Israeli election but was resisted by his military chief, officials say
From the Newshound archive · first published 26 October 2026 · last updated 27 October 2026.
Saudi air defences intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile headed for the city's airport ahead of emergency talks in Tehran over a possible US strike on Iran.
Israel's chief of staff, Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, reportedly put in writing his concern that a directive could trigger 'an immediate conflagration with Iran'. Benjamin Netanyahu then allegedly pushed for a covert operation that stopped short of a full strike. He has also reportedly spent recent weeks trying to convince President Donald Trump to restart the war. Netanyahu has denied the claims, and the defence ministry has dismissed any intention to attack.
Netanyahu posted an AI-generated mushroom cloud destroying Tel Aviv ahead of the vote.
He told voters to have 'a trembling hand' before backing the opposition.
Tehran gym trainer Hashem Vajdani has 'already packed' to flee north.
