Trump foreign policy advisers met Israeli PM Netanyahu, source says
- Delegation comprised of Robert O’Brien, Ed McMullen and John Rakolta, source said
- A trip goal was to get a better understanding of Israel’s complex domestic political situation
Three former US foreign policy officials in Donald Trump’s administration met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other public figures in Israel on Monday, according to a person with direct knowledge of the matter.
The delegation comprised Robert O’Brien, who served as Trump’s fourth and final national security adviser, as well as former ambassador to the United Arab Emirates John Rakolta and former ambassador to Switzerland Ed McMullen, said the person, who requested anonymity as the trip’s itinerary was not public.
In addition to Netanyahu, the delegation met Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid and several other Israeli officials, the person said.
Among the main goals of the trip was to obtain a better understanding of Israel’s complex domestic political situation, said the person familiar with the visit. Netanyahu’s coalition is beset by internal disagreements, with many Israelis blaming his government for failing to prevent the October 7 Hamas attack.
It was a rare case of Trump allies travelling abroad as part of an organised delegation to meet foreign officials. It took place amid strains between Israel and the Biden administration about Israel’s conduct of the war in Gaza.