Netanyahu’s ability to stay in power may be in doubt, according to an annual assessment of worldwide threats from the U.S. intelligence community. The assessment suggested that a more moderate government could end up succeeding his hard-line coalition.
“Netanyahu’s viability as leader as well as his governing coalition of far-right and ultraorthodox parties that pursued hardline policies on Palestinian and security issues may be in jeopardy,” the assessment said.
The report also raised questions about Israel’s goal of destroying Hamas, saying that the country will likely face a yearslong fight against the Palestinian militants.
Although the analysis of Netanyahu’s political difficulties resembled a widely held view among commentators in and outside of Israel, it was unusual for the American intelligence agencies to share such a candid assessment of an allied government’s political prospects.
“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,” the report stated.
The assessment coincides with growing tension between the Biden administration and Netanyahu’s government, with the White House expressing alarm over the high civilian death toll in Gaza.
The intelligence report is being presented to lawmakers this week at hearings in the Senate and House. It includes a relatively pessimistic outlook on the results of Israel’s military aims in Gaza.
“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,” the assessment said.
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