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A new U.S. intelligence assessment released Monday raises questions about whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can remain in power, and the CIA director says there is no way to at least temporarily halt the war in Gaza. He said hostage trading was the most practical method.
In his 2024 annual threat assessment, he expressed concern about Israel’s vision for ending the war, saying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition “could be at risk.”
The report states that “distrust in Prime Minister Netanyahu’s ability to govern has deepened and widened among the population from its already high pre-war levels, and large-scale protests demanding his resignation and new elections are expected.” ” “There is a possibility that a different, more moderate government will emerge.”
The report predicted that Israel would struggle to achieve its goal of “destroying Hamas.”
“Israel will likely face armed resistance from Hamas for years to come. will have a difficult time neutralizing them,” the report said.
Tensions between President Biden and Mr. Netanyahu have escalated in recent days over a planned Israeli military operation in Rafah, southern Gaza. But the intelligence report, which was months in the making, was written before the recent escalation of tensions.
Annual reports are typically accompanied by two days of hearings before the Senate and House Intelligence Committees. Intelligence officials were not asked about their assessment of Mr. Netanyahu’s government in testimony before a Senate committee on Monday. Instead, questions about Israel and Gaza focused on hostage negotiations.
CIA Director William J. Burns returned Saturday from his eighth overseas trip to negotiate the release of hostages. U.S. officials had hoped to secure a deal by the end of Ramadan, but that deadline has passed.
Mr Burns said he was focused on advancing the first phase of an agreement to halt fighting in Gaza for six weeks to allow more humanitarian aid to flow into the Strip and secure the release of 40 hostages. Stated. That group (the remaining women, elderly men, and those who are injured or sick) will be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Burns did not provide details on how many Palestinians would be freed, but other officials briefed on the talks said hundreds of low-level prisoners and 15 people with felony convictions would be released. said.
But Burns said the only way to help Gazans suffering in a “desperate situation” and provide relief to Israeli hostages and their families could be through “a more permanent arrangement over time.” He said that it is about pursuing the first step towards something.
“I learned a long time ago that in a crisis like this, you have to find realistic goals and relentlessly pursue them,” Burns said.
“I don’t think anyone can guarantee success,” he says. “What I can guarantee is that for the innocent civilians in Gaza who are suffering in desperate circumstances, for the hostages and their families who are also suffering in very desperate circumstances, and for all of us, there is an alternative.” is worse.”
Demonstrators interrupted the hearing several times, calling on Israel to stop bombing Gaza and chanting that the war was “exterminating the Palestinian people.” Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, asked Burns if he agreed with the protesters.
Burns said that while he understands the need for Israel to respond to the Hamas attack on October 7, “we all also recognize that this has taken a heavy toll on innocent civilians in Gaza.” need to be kept in mind.”
“As the president said, it’s very important for Israel to pay close attention to that and avoid further loss of civilian life,” he said.
Burns testified along with other intelligence leaders, including Director of National Intelligence Avril D. Haines and FBI Director Christopher A. Wray.
Wray said the United States faces an increasing threat of terrorism, including from domestic extremists and foreign organizations.
“But since October 7, the threat has risen to a whole other level,” he says. “So now is the time to be even more vigilant.”
In its annual report, the intelligence agency concluded that “Due to the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, Israel will face increasing international pressure.”
The war in Gaza “poses a challenge” to America’s Arab partners, as “death and destruction in Gaza” has heightened public sentiment against both Israel and the United States. These countries see the United States as a power broker who can end conflicts before they escalate.
The report echoes what numerous U.S. officials have said in recent months: Iran did not plan or foresee the Oct. 7 attack.
According to the report, both Iran and Israel are coordinating their actions and trying to avoid direct conflict. But intelligence agencies say they believe Iran will continue to arm and support proxies that threaten the United States even after the Gaza conflict ends.
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