American intelligence officials testify before the Senate (French)
US intelligence agencies said that Israel remains determined to destroy the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), but will likely face armed resistance from the movement for many years.
The US intelligence community, in its annual unclassified international threat assessment report, referred to what it described as the challenge posed by the conflict in the Gaza Strip for many of those described as “key Arab partners” who face public opinion opposed to Israel and the United States due to death and destruction in the Strip.
The report was completed last month, but was declassified when intelligence officials testified before the Senate on Monday.
According to the New York Times, intelligence officials were not asked questions about the assessment of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government in their testimony before the Senate committee on Monday. Instead, questions about Israel and Gaza focused on negotiations for the release of detainees.
Increasing pressure on America and Israel
“Israel will likely face sustained armed resistance from Hamas for years to come, and the army will struggle to neutralize Hamas’ underground infrastructure, which enables them to hide, regain power, and surprise Israeli forces,” the assessment stated, noting that the Israeli public supports “on Large-scale elimination of the Islamic Resistance Movement.
The report noted that the Hamas-led attack on October 7 (Al-Aqsa Flood) and the war in Gaza “led to increased tensions across the region, as Iranian proxies and partners launch anti-American and anti-Israeli attacks, whether in support of Hamas or to pressure the United States.” ", according to the report.
The report warned that Israel would face increasing international pressure regarding the "deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip."
The US intelligence community's assessment saw that the lack of confidence in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ability to rule was deepening among Israelis, and he expected large protests demanding his resignation, suggesting that what he called a different, more moderate government would be formed.
The US Intelligence Community is a federation of 18 US federal government agencies that work separately to carry out intelligence activities to support the foreign policy and national security of the United States. It was established by US President Ronald Reagan on December 4, 1981.
Source: Al Jazeera + The Times of Israel + The New York Times