Three former U.S. foreign policy officials who served in the Trump administration met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other prominent figures in Israel on Monday. The delegation, comprising Robert O’Brien, Donald’s last national security adviser, along with former Ambassadors John Rakolta and Ed McMullen, engaged in discussions aiming to gain a deeper understanding of Israel’s internal political dynamics. The source of this information, who spoke under anonymity, revealed that the trip’s itinerary was not public.
In addition to Netanyahu, the delegation planned meetings with Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid and several other key officials. The visit comes at a critical time as Netanyahu’s coalition faces significant internal strife, with public dissatisfaction over the government’s handling of security issues, particularly following the October 7 Hamas attack. This visit marks a notable instance of Trump allies traveling abroad to engage with foreign officials, highlighting ongoing U.S. interest in Israeli political developments amid strained relations between Israel and the Biden administration over the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
War Crimes Allegations and Gaza Conflict
The backdrop to these high-profile meetings included significant international developments. On the same Monday, the International Criminal Court’s prosecutor requested arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Israel’s defense chief, and three Hamas leaders on war crimes charges. Both Israeli and Palestinian leaders have rejected these allegations, with representatives from both sides criticizing the ICC’s move. It remains unclear if the Trump advisers’ meeting with Netanyahu occurred before or after this announcement, adding a layer of complexity to the diplomatic visit.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza, which erupted after Hamas militants launched a deadly attack on Israel on October 7, has resulted in significant casualties. According to health officials in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, over 35,000 Palestinians have died in the seven-month-long Israeli offensive. The initial attack by Hamas led to the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of 253 individuals, with more than 100 still believed to be held captive in Gaza. While the specific topics discussed by the Trump allies and Israeli officials remain undisclosed, the delegation did not carry any message from former President Trump but is expected to brief him on their findings, given their ongoing advisory roles.
Trump’s Position on Israel and Gaza
Former President Donald Trump has occasionally criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza and has faulted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for failing to prevent the October 7 attack. Despite these criticisms, Trump consistently positions himself as a more reliable ally to Israel compared to Democratic President Joe Biden, his rival in the upcoming November 5 election. The White House and Netanyahu’s office have declined to comment on these matters.
During Trump’s tenure from 2017 to 2021, the U.S. Embassy was moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a move celebrated by many Israelis but condemned by Palestinians. This decision marked a significant shift in U.S. policy and was seen as a fulfillment of a longstanding conservative objective. Additionally, Trump oversaw the signing of the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, with former Ambassador Rakolta playing a pivotal role.
Foreign Policy and Upcoming Elections
Robert O’Brien, a top foreign policy adviser to Trump, is expected to play a significant role if Trump is re-elected. O’Brien’s involvement highlights Trump’s strategy of leveraging experienced advisors to shape his foreign policy agenda. Foreign officials have frequently engaged with Trump or his advisers recently to understand his potential policies should he return to office. Notably, British Foreign Minister David Cameron met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago in April to discuss the war in Ukraine and NATO’s future.
According to Jeremi Suri, a presidential historian at the University of Texas, such meetings are unusual during times of geopolitical tension, as the U.S. government typically prefers a single point of contact with foreign counterparts. The 1799 Logan Act allows Americans outside the government to meet with foreign officials but restricts their ability to negotiate U.S. disputes. A source mentioned that Trump’s delegation focused solely on fact-finding and relationship building, avoiding policy involvement.
The Biden administration has shown steadfast support for Israel but has recently expressed concerns over aspects of Israel’s war strategy. This month, President Biden paused bomb shipments to Israel in response to its expanded assault on Rafah in southern Gaza, leading Trump to accuse Biden of abandoning an ally. This action underscores the complex and often contentious nature of U.S.-Israel relations under different administrations
