U.S. intelligence’s latest global threat assessment indicates Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s grip on power is weakening, with figures like CIA Director William Burns highlighting a decline in Netanyahu’s support. The assessment suggests Netanyahu’s leadership and his coalition, comprising far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties with stringent positions on Palestinian and security issues, are “in jeopardy.”
Intelligence officials have pointed to Netanyahu’s tough security stance and his hesitation to engage in peace talks with Hamas as major factors eroding public confidence.
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Discontent manifested in January when thousands in Tel Aviv protested, calling for Netanyahu’s resignation. Despite these protests and discussions of a unity government excluding him, Netanyahu is trying to secure a decisive victory over Hamas — a goal that the report suggests will be challenging.
In an annual threat assessment, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence notes that Israel is likely to face ongoing armed resistance from Hamas, with the Israeli military struggling to neutralize Hamas’s underground infrastructure.
Adding to Netanyahu’s challenges are pressures from within his own political circle, including Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s war cabinet and chairman of the National Unity Party, and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, both significant political rivals. Current polls suggest Gantz could surpass Netanyahu if elections were held now.
This internal conflict occurs as Netanyahu faces disagreements with the U.S., particularly regarding his approach to Gaza, such as the proposed attack on Rafah, which President Joe Biden has cautioned against.
