Netanyahu Reportedly Ordered Military Action Tied to Iran. Israel’s Top Commander Resisted.

Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir resisted orders from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to carry out military action that could have led to escalation with Iran, according to a new report.

Local outlet Channel 12 described the situation as an "unprecedented confrontation" that has been unfolding over the past days. Citing anonymous military sources, it added that Zamir sought signed documents showing legal authorization for the action.

"This relates to an action that could lead to a flare-up with Iran, at a sensitive and dramatic moment, creating this [potential] miscalculation," the source told the outlet. Another person familiar with the matter said the order raised the concern that Netanyahu was using "the Iranian issue for political benefit."

"History will not forget the role that Zamir has played in recent days," a senior security source said when describing the exchanges.

Netanyahu rejected the report. Speaking to government-friendly Channel 14, he called it "nonsense" and said there was "no fight" with Zamir.

However, opposition leaders came out to criticize Netanyahu, warning him not to take actions that could destabilize the country's elections, scheduled for October 27.

"Netanyahu, my eyes are set on you. Me man under whose watch unfolded the worst catastrophe in the country's history, refuses to understand that Israeli's security is not a political toy, that the lives of Israeli citizens and IDF solders are not disposable, and the State of Israel is not his private property," said Netanyahu's top contender in the elections, Gadi Eisenkot.

"I am fully confident in Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and the IDF commanders acting with professional responsibility and and absolute commitment with the country's security. We won't allow for the IDF to be turned into a tool at the service of Netanyahu's survival campaign," he added.

"In two days, Israeli's citizens will end the government of irresponsibility and restore responsibility, a sense of State and the security of Israel. I promise."

Elsewhere, CNN reported that Netanyahu has been pushing for a joint strike with the U.S., but President Donald Trump asked for any action to be delayed until Washington is ready.

"Netanyahu really wanted and tried to convince Trump for a joint attack in Iran before the elections, and Trump did not give a green light," an Israeli source told the outlet. The source went on to say that one of the reasons was Zamir saying that an attack could lead to the postponement of Israel's elections. Netanyahu's office also rejected the report.