Israel could see political fallout in wake of Hamas attack, Emanuel says

Ambassador Rahm Emanuel greets President Joe Biden in Japan in May, as Biden arrived for the G-7 Summit in Hiroshima. (Susan Walsh/Associated Press)

The intelligence failure that “blindsided” Israel and allowed Hamas to launch its surprise attack is “shocking” for a 75-year-old country with a “well-earned reputation for a security apparatus,” former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Monday.

Now U.S. ambassador to Japan, Emanuel hinted strongly public anger over an intelligence failure that allowed an “unnecessary” and “horrific loss of life on both sides” would ultimately cost the political leadership in Israel. However, he never mentioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by name.