An unnamed Israeli official has accused the US government of plotting to oust Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, responding to a US intelligence report warning that Israel’s government could be in danger over criticism of its war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
“Those who elected the Prime Minister of Israel are the citizens of Israel and no one else,” said the official in a statement released last night.
“Israel is not a US protectorate, but an independent and democratic country whose citizens elect the government. We expect our friends to act to overthrow the terrorist regime of Hamas, not the elected government in Israel,” the statement added.
The assessment of Israel states that “distrust in Netanyahu’s ability to govern has deepened and expanded among the public already at high levels before the war” and that “major protests demanding his resignation and new elections” are expected and assesses that the possibility a different, more moderate government.
Israel’s Channel 12 TV reported that the “highest Israeli political source imaginable” responded, hinting that it was Netanyahu himself, adding that the prime minister was furious at the US report.
Netanyahu decided to start a “strong, public and dramatic confrontation with the US president”, Channel 12 reported.
The intelligence report also notes that Hamas appears set to pose a challenge to Israel for years to come despite efforts to destroy the extremist organization after the deadly attacks on October 7.
“Israel is likely to face protracted armed resistance from Hamas for years to come and the military will struggle to neutralize Hamas’ underground infrastructure that allows insurgents to hide, regain strength, and surprise Israeli forces,” the report said, adding that the Israeli public has largely supports the destruction of that organization, which Israel considers terrorist.
On Tuesday, in a video interview with the delegates of the American-Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPC) gathered in Washington, Netanyahu said that he deeply appreciates the support of US President Joseph Biden and expressed the hope that it will continue.
“But let me be clear. Israel will win this war no matter what,” the Israeli leader said, adding that Israel must destroy the remaining Hamas battalions in Rafah.
Addressing Israel’s allies who have expressed concern over the high number of civilian casualties in the announced major Israeli military offensive in the densely populated southern Gaza city, Netanyahu said that one cannot support Israel’s right to exist and defend itself and then oppose it when it does so, Beta news agency reports.
