US Intelligence: Netanyahu's Coalition 'May Be in Jeopardy'

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Facts

  • A US intelligence report Monday claimed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing coalition 'may be in jeopardy' and his resignation and new elections were expected in response to his handling of the Gaza war — predicting a more moderate government coming to power.1
  • The report, known as the Annual Threat Assessment, details national security threats for Congress. It also posited that Hamas — with its vast subterranean military infrastructure underneath Gaza — will likely survive as an armed group 'for years to come.'2
  • The report signaled doubt that positive 'governance outcomes' by Israel in post-war Gaza were likely. Additionally, the report claimed Iran 'did not orchestrate' or have prior knowledge of Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel.3
  • This assessment comes as Netanyahu and US Pres. Joe Biden aired their respective dissatisfaction with each other over the weekend. Biden called Israel's handling of the war 'over the top,' prompting public rebuttals from Netanyahu.4
  • In addition, top intelligence officials testified before Congress on Monday about conflicts the US is involved in, namely geopolitical tensions with China and the wars in Gaza and Ukraine.5
  • CIA chief Bill Burns outlined a potential Gaza cease-fire, stressing its necessity to effectively deliver aid and alleviate a hunger crisis the UN, among others, warns could become a famine.5

Sources: 1New York Times, 2CNN, 3Financial Times, 4BBC News and 5Washington Post.

Narratives

  • Right narrative, as provided by ISRAEL HAYOM. The aftermath of Oct. 7 has presented quite a challenge to the US and Israel, but the rhetoric being deployed against Netanyahu is unreasonable. The left should not be blaming Netanyahu for Oct. 7 more than Hamas. Criticism of Netanyahu from Biden and other leftists isn't productive and veers toward rewarding Hamas for starting this war.
  • Left narrative, as provided by New York Times. There's no way for Israel to regain the moral high ground as long as Netanyahu is in power. Whether his right-wing coalition collapses, the Knesset enacts a vote of 'constructive no confidence,' the opposition withdraws from the unity government, or demonstrators put the heat on him, Netanyahu can't be allowed to keep Israel on its current path. With Netanyahu's popularity at an all-time low, now might be the time to move on from him.
  • Pro-Palestine narrative, as provided by Middle East Eye. Regardless of what administration has run Israel, Palestinians have faced decades of cruel military occupation and collective punishment. So instead of Biden and the mainstream media claiming things will improve if Netanyahu leaves, the focus should be on changing Israel's longtime goal of destroying Palestine and displacing its people.

Predictions