Report: IDF chief pushes back on Netanyahu's order

NEW: Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir reportedly pushes back on PM Netanyahu over Iran, fearing government instructions could trigger an immediate escalation, in an extraordinary confrontation at the top of Israel's leadership just two days before elections.

Israel's military chief is refusing to simply carry out his Prime Minister's orders on Iran.

Israeli media report an extraordinary confrontation between Benjamin Netanyahu and army chief Eyal Zamir, just two days before Tuesday's election. Zamir reportedly fears the government's instructions could trigger an immediate military escalation with Iran. His response was to demand written authorisation before acting, a step that puts the responsibility squarely back on the Prime Minister's desk.

Netanyahu denies any confrontation took place. At the same time, he is warning publicly that Iran could attack Israel to disrupt the vote. This all lands days after reports of plans for fresh strikes on Iran after the American midterms.

So the picture two days out is this. A general asking for orders in writing, a Prime Minister denying the rift, and a country voting on Tuesday with the question of war hanging over the ballot.

This is Sara White, reporting for HIT.