US Reportedly Contacts Israeli Opposition Amid Plans to Replace Netanyahu

The United States government is reportedly making contact with the Israeli opposition regarding a possible change in the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following increasing disputes between Washington and Tel Aviv. According to a report by Israel’s Channel 12, officials in President Donald Trump’s administration believe Netanyahu’s government may be replaced, prompting informal outreach to opposition leaders. Among those contacted is Naftali Bennett, the former prime minister and current opposition figure. The US administration has reportedly expressed concerns about hardline elements within Netanyahu’s government and is seeking to build a new base of popular support ahead of elections. Channel 12 noted that the Israeli opposition has been trying to establish ties with the Trump administration for several months, achieving limited success with officials critical of Netanyahu’s policies. The American move aims to exploit political opportunities arising from the crisis of confidence with the current Israeli government. Polls published by the Maariv newspaper suggest the opposition could form a new government if elections were held today, winning 61 Knesset seats against 49 for Netanyahu’s coalition. The report emerges as the US and Iran continue negotiations in Switzerland, mediated by Pakistan, to permanently end the war triggered by a joint US-Israeli attack on Tehran in late February. A temporary deal calls for a halt to fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon, but Israel has flatly rejected the ceasefire, insisting it is not bound by the US-Iran agreement. Netanyahu has also stated that Israel will not withdraw its forces from occupied areas in southern Lebanon.