Netanyahu May Soon Be Ousted

What’s happening: Efforts by American leaders to oust Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are intensifying.

• Context: After Israel was attacked on October 7, President Joe Biden offered strong words of support for Israel. But as Israel’s campaign to destroy Hamas progressed, Biden’s relationship with Netanyahu soured. Biden faces constant pressure from Democrat allies to curb support for Israel.

The speech: Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) accused Netanyahu of being an obstacle to peace and called for new elections to remove him from power. Biden called it a “good speech.” Netanyahu said it is “inappropriate to go to a sister democracy and try to replace the elected leadership there.”

Limiting aid: Both House and Senate members sent Biden letters urging him to limit military aid to Israel, and it is reported he will consider this if Israel’s military proceeds with an operation in Rafah. Additionally, Biden has privately pressured Israel. However, for Israel to accept such limitations would be seen as admitting defeat, which would make Netanyahu even more unpopular domestically.

Trouble at home: A recent U.S. intelligence report says “Netanyahu’s viability as leader as well as his governing coalition of far-right and ultraorthodox parties that pursued hardline policies on Palestinian and security issues may be in jeopardy.”

• More from the report: “Distrust of Netanyahu’s 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. A different, more moderate government is a possibility.”

• Implications: This assessment reflects the Israeli public’s growing distrust of Netanyahu — which could lead them to vote him out in new elections — but even more so underscores the desire of U.S. leaders to replace him.

• The kicker: The report could mean the U.S. will help anti-Netanyahu factions within Israel, as the U.S. government did when anti-judicial reform protests were strong.

Why? Netanyahu is despised by many U.S. leaders due to 1) his refusal to abide by U.S. recommendations for the war and 2) the perception many of his actions are for personal political gain. He also opposes a two-state solution, a linchpin of U.S. policy toward Israel.