US intelligence community has highlighted concerns over the political future of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, indicating that his \u201cviability as a leader\u201d is \u201cin jeopardy,\u201d CNN reported. The annual report from the US intelligence community, presented to Congress, suggests that \u201cdistrust of Netanyahu\u2019s 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.\u201d \u201cA different, more moderate government is a possibility,\u201d it also said.<\/p>\n
The report also underscores criticism within Israel directed at Netanyahu\u2019s government for failing to anticipate the October 7 attack by Hamas, resulting in significant casualties and hostages. Public opinion questions the efficacy of Netanyahu\u2019s prolonged military response, which has caused extensive destruction in Gaza and raised doubts about its effectiveness in rescuing hostages, as reported by CNN. Despite widespread support in Israel for dismantling Hamas, the intelligence assessment delivers a stark outlook on Netanyahu\u2019s political standing, signalling a possible shift towards a more moderate government. This assessment is notable given President Joe Biden\u2019s previous positive sentiments towards Netanyahu.<\/p>\n
Tensions between the US and Israeli leaders have escalated, particularly regarding the civilian toll in Gaza. The Biden administration has urged Israel to allow more aid into the Palestinian enclave, with Biden warning that Netanyahu is \u201churting Israel more than helping Israel.\u201d To which Netanyahu hit back in a separate interview that if Biden was suggesting \u201cthat I\u2019m pursuing private policies against the wish of the majority of Israelis, and that this is hurting the interests of Israel then he\u2019s wrong on both counts.\u201d<\/p>\n
The intelligence report further warns that Israel may face ongoing armed resistance from Hamas, with difficulties in neutralising the group\u2019s underground infrastructure. Military experts echo these concerns, cautioning that Israel\u2019s aggressive approach may inspire future generations of terrorists, as evidenced by the influence of Hamas on groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS. The report indicates a heightened terrorism threat within the US since the October 7 attack, with FBI Director Chris Wray emphasizing the increased risk from various extremist groups.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven before October 7th, I would have told this committee that we were at a heightened threat level from a terrorism perspective, in the sense that it\u2019s the first time I\u2019ve seen in a long, long time the threats from homegrown violent extremists, that is jihadist-inspired extremists, domestic violent extremists, foreign terrorist organizations and state sponsored terrorist organizations all being elevated at one time,\u201d Wray said. The Annual Threat Assessment, a comprehensive overview of global security threats, took an unusual turn during a Congressional hearing, with Republican lawmakers focusing on security issues related to the US southern border.<\/p>\n
This deviation prompted a brief exchange between Democrat Sen Mark Warner and Republican Sen Jim Risch about the politicisation of the panel. \u201cOne of the things I think that we have always taken some pride [in on this committee] is that we can agree without questioning each other\u2019s patriotism, questioning each other\u2019s motives,\u201d Warner said, adding, \u201cAnd I hope that tenor will be maintained.\u201d Risch fired back, referring to Warner and another Democratic senator who condemned the Republican line of questioning: \u201cI\u2019ve been on this committee for 15 years and we do a really good job until politics do creep in \u2014 and that\u2019s what\u2019s happened here this afternoon with the last two speakers,\u201d according to CNN.<\/p>\n
Testimonies from Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines and CIA Director Bill Burns highlighted the precarious situation in Ukraine. Russia\u2019s resurgence and Ukraine\u2019s ammunition shortages pose significant challenges, with the CIA urging additional US assistance to prevent further territorial losses. Burns said that without additional assistance from the US, Ukraine \u201cis likely to lose ground and probably significant ground in 2024.\u201d A USD 60 billion aid package to Ukraine has been delayed in the House amid Republican opposition to additional funding.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think without supplemental assistance in 2024, you\u2019re going to see more of Avdiivkas, and that it seems to me would be a massive and historic mistake for the United States,\u201d Burns said, referring to a city recently taken by Russia, according to CNN. The intelligence report suggests that Russia benefits from \u201cuncertainties about the future of Western military assistance\u201d and a battlefield \u201cdeadlock,\u201d battlefield, which \u201cplays to Russia\u2019s strategic military advantages and is increasingly shifting the momentum in Moscow\u2019s favor.\u201d<\/p>\n
Additionally, China\u2019s role in supporting Russia in the conflict has raised concerns, with Beijing tripling its exports of goods with potential military use to Russia since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. China has provided \u201ceconomy and security assistance to Russia\u2019s war in Ukraine through support to Russia\u2019s defense industrial base, including by providing dual-use material and components for weapons,\u201d the report states. Trade between China and Russia has increased, surpassing USD 220 billion in 2023, with Russia providing China economic benefits, including cheaper energy prices and enhanced access to the Arctic, in exchange for support in the conflict, CNN reported.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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