Israeli Air Force Chief's Message Sparks Controversy Over Cancelled Iran Strike

During a meeting of the Israeli security cabinet, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reprimanded Chief of Staff General Eyal Zamir, according to Channel 12.

This occurred following the publication of a message from Air Force Commander Major General Omar Tishel, which disclosed details about a last-minute cancellation of an airstrike targeting Iran.

At the closed-door meeting, Netanyahu expressed his displeasure with the content of the message, stating that the publication "was a mistake, this was the wrong kind of national courage, it harmed Israel's unity, and it embarrassed us in front of (U.S. President Donald) Trump."

The Air Force commander's message triggered extensive controversy in Israel after revealing that attack aircraft were in final preparations to carry out a large-scale strike on targets inside Iran before orders were given to abort the mission shortly before execution.

Tishel indicated in his message that the forces were at the highest level of readiness, with all air units prepared to take off toward hundreds of targets within Iran, but the mission was canceled while pilots were in briefing rooms about an hour before takeoff.

The message also highlighted what the Air Force chief described as military achievements during confrontations with Iran, including strikes on leadership sites, military and economic infrastructure linked to the nuclear program, and Iran's military capabilities.

U.S. President Donald Trump had sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of conducting attacks that nearly obstructed the finalization of an agreement with Iran, in a telephone interview published by The New York Times on Monday.

Trump described Netanyahu as "a very difficult person," adding that Israel "should be grateful" for the American role in preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

He affirmed that the agreement with Tehran, if completed, would prevent Iran from developing military nuclear capabilities, considering this to bring greater stability to the region and spare Israel from potential existential threats.