Ynet: White House purge targets pro-Israel staff amid Iran, Gaza tensions

Several senior officials with strong pro-Israel views have been dismissed from the White House and the National Security Council (NSC) in recent days, signalling growing internal divisions over US Middle East policy.

The dismissals come as tensions mount between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly over a possible military strike on Iran and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ynet. 

Among those let go are Merav Ceren, a dual US-Israeli citizen who was recently appointed to head the NSC’s Iran and Israel portfolio, and Eric Trager, director of the council’s Middle East and North Africa division. Both officials had been brought in by former National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, a vocal supporter of Israel who was also recently removed by Trump.

Morgan Ortagus, deputy to senior White House advisor Steve Witkoff and responsible for Lebanon policy, is also expected to leave her position soon. Her departure is reportedly not voluntary. 

A convert to Judaism and one of the most outspoken pro-Israel voices in the administration, Ortagus has consistently advocated a hardline US stance on Hezbollah. Sources familiar with the matter suggest additional removals of pro-Israel officials may follow, as the White House reevaluates its approach to the region in light of diverging views with Israeli leadership.

By Naila Huseynova