A "high-ranking" Israeli official responded to a US intelligence report, published earlier, that warned that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government "may be in danger" amid criticism over the management of the war against Hamas in Gaza.

The official said in a statement to the media: “It is the citizens of Israel who elect the Prime Minister of Israel and not anyone else,” noting that “the intelligence report is an attempt to overthrow Netanyahu.”

The official added, according to the Times of Israel: “Israel is not a protectorate of the United States, but rather an independent and democratic state, and its citizens are the ones who elect the government.”

He continued: "We expect our friends to work to overthrow the Hamas terrorist regime and not the elected government in Israel."

The United States wrote in its assessment of Israel, according to the report: “The state of distrust in Netanyahu’s ability to rule has strengthened among the public compared to its already high levels before the war, and we expect large protests demanding his resignation and holding new elections. The formation of a different, more moderate government is possible.”

According to Israeli Channel 12, the American report left the Israeli Prime Minister “angry,” adding that Netanyahu “decided to enter into severe, public, and dramatic confrontations with the President of the United States.”

The American report indicated that "Israel will likely face a challenge from Hamas for years to come, and the army will struggle to neutralize Hamas' underground infrastructure."

Amid escalating tensions with the White House, Netanyahu told AIPAC delegates gathered in Washington, earlier Tuesday: “I greatly appreciate the support we have received from President Biden and the administration, and I hope it will continue.”

Netanyahu continued: “But let me be clear: Israel will win this war no matter what happens.”

Netanyahu said that for Israel to win the war, "it must destroy what remains of Hamas in Rafah. If it does not do so, Hamas will regroup, re-arm itself, and reclaim Gaza."