N12's Tomer Almagor reports that the New York Times has revealed the Trump administration searched for a Cuban official, current or former, who could be persuaded to take over power in Havana. The plan is modeled on the US approach to Venezuela's regime shift, rather than a regime change operation as planned for Iran. Intelligence assessments cited in the report warn that Cuba's senior leadership is dominated by hardliners, making such a scenario difficult.
Sat 09:54 Jerusalem — The New York Times report on the Trump administration's search for a Cuban official to lead a regime shift in Havana, first reported by The Zioneer earlier Saturday (04:21 Jerusalem), is now being cited by Israeli media. Channel 12's Tomer Almagor relayed the report, emphasizing its comparison to the US approach to Venezuela, where the administration has sought to install a friendly government through pressure.
The report, which cites intelligence assessments warning that Cuba's senior leadership is dominated by hardliners akin to Iran, is part of a broader US campaign. Other recent reports have detailed expanded US intelligence assets in Cuba (Politico, Aug 4) and Pentagon discussions of military options (CBS, Jul 15).
The Zioneer's earlier bulletin noted that the plan aims for a 'regime shift' modeled on Venezuela rather than a 'regime change' as planned for Iran. The new Israeli media citation adds no new facts but indicates the story is gaining traction in the Israeli press.
2 developments
- DevelopingPolitico: US has expanded intelligence assets in Cuba, sent spies to pressure regime
- DevelopingAnalysis: US administration turns to Venezuela success after Iran setback at White House
- StrongCBS: Pentagon officials weigh military options for Cuba
- DevelopingNYT report: Rubio is de facto ruler of Venezuela, controls oil revenue and policy via WhatsApp
Source and signal
A single-sourced dispatch is never rated Confirmed or Strong. Its Signal strengthens only when a second, independent source corroborates it.
- Open-source intake