Benjamin Netanyahu is Israel’s longest-serving prime minister. However, US President Joe Biden and his advisers believe that the Israeli prime minister’s days are numbered, the Politico website reported in its Thursday publication. Biden reportedly suggested to Netanyahu in one of their conversations that he consider “what advice to give to his successor.”
According to Politico, the likelihood of the imminent end of the Israeli prime minister’s political career was discussed by Joe Biden and his advisers during discussions at the White House. President USA he was also supposed to convey this assessment Benjamin Netanyahu, in one of the telephone conversations after his recent visit to Israel. He was then supposed to suggest to his interlocutor that he should consider what advice to give his successor.
Leaving after the first phase of surgery
Former and current administration officials told Politico that the prevailing opinion in the White House is that Netanyahu – blamed on… allowing the Hamas attack on October 7 and under international criticism due to the brutality of Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip – he will not survive in office for more than a few months. He will leave when the first phase of military operations ends.
– There must be an accounting of what happened in Israeli society. Ultimately, the responsibility falls on the prime minister’s desk, the anonymous official said.
Benjamin NetanyahuEPA/ABIR SULTAN
Hidden suggestion
According to Politico, during his October visit to Israel, Biden warned Netanyahu against escalating the conflict, aiming to expand the war to neighboring countries. He advised him to focus on a two-state solution to the conflict with the Palestinians and to be cautious about steps beyond the “decapitation” of Hamas, including any occupation of the Gaza Strip.
At one point during the trip, Biden also advised Netanyahu to consider the scenario he was leaving for his successor – a hidden suggestion that the head of the Israeli government may not be in power throughout what will likely be a long-term conflict (Israel and Hamas – ed.) – writes Politico.
The spokeswoman denies this
US National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson denied that Netanyahu’s political future was a topic of White House discussions, adding that the administration was focused on the current crisis.
However, the Politico website noted that Netanyahu’s uncertain position in power is always “in the background” during the Biden administration’s internal talks on the Middle East, and representatives of the American administration talk about the war activities with a wide range of politicians in Israel, including the opposition.
Hamas attack on Israel PAP/Reuters – Maciej Zieliński
Main photo source: EPA/ABIR SULTAN