WASHINGTON, DC – A delegation of former U.S. foreign policy officials from the Trump administration visited Israel on Monday to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials. The delegation consisted of Robert O’Brien, John Rakolta, and Ed McMullen, former ambassadors, seeking to gain a better understanding of the complex domestic political situation in Israel.
Among the main goals of the trip was to assess Israel’s internal political dynamics, particularly in light of issues within Netanyahu’s coalition government following a Hamas attack on October 7. The visit is notable for former Trump allies traveling abroad to engage in discussions with foreign officials, against the backdrop of tensions between Israel and the Biden administration.
While visiting Israel, the delegation had no official message to deliver to Israeli officials, with sources indicating they were acting as informal advisers to Trump. Trump has occasionally been critical of Israel’s actions, including its operations in Gaza, yet he continuously positions himself as a staunch ally to Israel compared to President Joe Biden.
During their meetings, the former officials likely discussed a range of issues, though they emphasized that the focus was on fact-finding and relationship-building rather than policy negotiation. Foreign officials have been engaging with Trump or his advisers to gauge potential future policies should he return to office, underscoring the importance of such interactions.
The Biden administration has expressed concerns over aspects of Israel’s military strategy and paused arms shipments in response to further Israeli aggression in Gaza, prompting criticism from Trump for allegedly abandoning a key ally. The timing of the delegation’s visit, amidst escalating tensions in the region, underscores the geopolitically sensitive nature of such interactions at this level.
Historically, such high-level meetings between former officials and foreign counterparts are uncommon, as governments typically prefer a single point of contact with foreign entities. The delegation’s engagement in fact-finding and relationship-building activities aligns with diplomatic norms, steering clear of direct involvement in policy matters.
As the Biden administration navigates its relationship with Israel, the delegation’s visit highlights ongoing discussions and interactions between former U.S. officials and foreign governments. These engagements serve as a barometer for potential future policies under different administrations, illustrating the complexities of diplomatic interactions amidst evolving geopolitical landscapes.