Senior Israeli intelligence official warned of politically-motivated domestic violence similar to the January chaos on the U.S. Capitol, after opponents of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the formation of a coalition to oust the outgoing president in trouble.

Nadav Argaman, head of the Israeli regime’s internal spy agency Shin Bet, expressed concern on Saturday over the rise in hate speech and hate speech on social media amid internal political struggles after the The opposition announced an agreement to form a coalition cabinet without Netanyahu.

Argaman warned that the provocative speech could spark political violence similar to the takeover of the U.S. Capitol in Washington DC earlier this year.

On January 6, a large group of staunch supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol to prevent Congress from certifying Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election, which he had criticized as “rigged”. House Democrats impeached Trump for “inciting insurgency,” but he was ultimately acquitted in the Senate.

“We have recently identified a serious increase and radicalization in violent and inciting speech, especially on social media,” Argaman said in a statement, warning that such online chatter could lead some groups or individuals to take action. violent and even harm others.

“This speech can be interpreted among certain groups or individuals as a speech authorizing violent and illegal activities and which can even lead to prejudices towards individuals”, he added, calling on political leaders and their supporters to show responsibility. and mitigate potential incentives.

The warning comes as Netanyahu faces the prospect of the end of his 12-year tenure as prime minister after centrist Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid announced on Wednesday that he had succeeded in forming a coalition following the March 23 elections.

The coalition – an amalgamation of left, liberal, right and religious parties – was criticized by Netanyahu, who warned that the partnership was that of a “dangerous leftist.”

Naftali Bennett and Ayelet Shaked, leaders of the right-wing Yamina alliance, which most recently joined the newly formed coalition, as well as other coalition politicians and their supporters have reportedly received threats from Netanyahu supporters, inciting the police to to strengthen their security.

Israeli right-wing groups are angry with Bennett, who is set to replace Netanyahu in a power-sharing pact with Lapid, as he had promised ahead of the election that he would not join any party in a coalition.

Netanyahu has served as prime minister for the past 12 years, earning the nickname “magician” for successfully holding the post by hook or crook.

His popularity, however, suffered a fatal drop among the Israelis, who had regularly held rallies outside his residence for months to force him to resign.

Widespread resentment is partly due to Netanyahu’s indictment in a number of corruption cases as well as his mismanagement of the economy and the COVID-19 pandemic.