US intel report says Netanyahu's leadership in jeopardy
4 Min Read
This marks a first as it is unconventional for spy agencies to offer insight on a US ally's political prospects.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a gathering of Zionist leaders at the Museum of Tolerance in occupied al-Quds, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024 (AP Photo)
A recent US declassified intelligence assessment has cast doubts on the political future of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while also questioning "Israel's" ability to achieve its objectives in the ongoing war on Gaza.
This marks a first as it is unconventional for spy agencies to offer insight on a US ally's political prospects.
"Netanyahu’s viability as leader as well as his governing coalition of far-right and ultraorthodox parties that pursued hard-line policies on Palestinian and security issues may be in jeopardy," the 40-page report titled which was released on Monday read.
"Distrust of Netanyahu’s ability to rule has deepened and broadened across the public from its already high levels before the war, and we expect large protests demanding his resignation and new elections," it continued. "A different, more moderate government is a possibility."
Read more: Still no Rafah plan from 'Israel' to US, State Department says
Recent media reports have indicated heightened tensions between the US and "Israel" after Biden warned against a Rafah ground invasion, warnings that Netanyahu is apparently dismissing. A report by Politico earlier in the day revealed that the US President is reportedly considering the idea of tying military aid to "Israel" to the prospect of a major invasion in Rafah.
Netanyahu's Political Peril
In the occupied territories, criticism within Netanyahu's circle against the Israeli leadership has been relatively harsh due to the October 7 operation. Many believe this to be a total failure of the security apparatus upon which Israelis pride themselves.
For Netanyahu, his hold on power rests on dodging snap elections and maintaining a majority in the Knesset. He has vowed to stay in power until the regime declares a "total victory" over the Palestinian resistance.
Yet pressure continues to mount from two opposing sides: One from opposition leader Benny Gantz and the other from Security Minister Yoav Gallant. Observers believe that if elections were held now, Gantz would easily defeat Netanyahu.
Gantz has not dismissed the possibility of working with the Palestinian Authority for post-war plans. He has also expressed positive responses to the possibility of a two-state solution, a path that has garnered favor among White House officials.
Long-Term Challenges Ahead
The US intelligence titled the 'Annual Threat Assessment' encompasses the perspectives of multiple American spy agencies and suggests that "Israel" will encounter serious challenges in defeating the Resistance.
Moreover, "Israel probably will face lingering armed resistance from Hamas for years to come, and the military will struggle to neutralize Hamas’s underground infrastructure, which allows insurgents to hide, regain strength, and surprise Israeli forces."
On Monday, leaders of US intel agencies, such as CIA Director William Burns and National Intelligence Director Avril Haines, presented testimony regarding the report to the Senate Intelligence Committee.
Senators refrained from addressing the section concerning Netanyahu's political future during the hearing, which faced several interruptions from protesters condemning US support for "Israel."
Read more: 53% of Israelis believe Netanyahu is extending war to stay in power
During the hearing, Burns informed the Committee that he was pursuing negotiations with Israeli, Egyptian, and Qatari counterparts to work on an exchange deal with the Resistance. A potential deal would involve the release of Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian detainees and would provide a much-needed six-week ceasefire to the Gaza Strip. It would also reduce the severity of the blockade to allow more aid to flow into the Strip.
The Resistance's approval is still pending.
"We’re going to continue to work hard at this," Burns said. "I don’t think anybody can guarantee success."
