Tel aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud Party has accused the former US administration under President Joe Biden of meddling in Israel's domestic affairs through financial support to left-wing organizations. The party claims this was an attempt to undermine the right-wing government.
According to Anadolu Agency, Likud referenced a recently released congressional memo, which alleges that the Biden administration funneled nearly $1 billion to Israeli NGOs that oppose the current government. The statement described these actions as a direct attempt to destabilize Israel's elected leadership.
The Likud Party further asserted that this funding has worsened internal divisions and spurred political opposition and rebellion. This comes despite President Biden's demonstrated support for Netanyahu's government during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The memo suggests that certain elements within the administration also supported, via intermediaries, groups affiliated with Hamas and organizations engaged in global anti-Israel campaigns.
The memo, released by the House Judiciary Committee, accuses the Biden administration of misusing taxpayer funds through USAID, the State Department, and other agencies. This financial support allegedly bolstered organizations participating in mass protests against Netanyahu's proposed judicial reforms.
Specifically named were Blue and White Future and the Movement for Quality Government in Israel. These groups reportedly received significant funding from US-based entities, including those supported by federal grants. Blue and White Future allegedly served as a key organizer for the anti-government protest movement, while the Movement for Quality Government was granted $42,000 for civic activism training programs in Israeli schools.
Additionally, the report claims some funds reached NGOs with Hamas ties, such as Bayader for Environment and Development-a Gaza-based group purportedly hosting joint events with Hamas officials. Bayader has allegedly received nearly $1 million in US aid since 2016, including a grant issued just before the October 7 attack.
As of now, the Biden administration has not issued an official response to these allegations.