WASHINGTON (AP) — Former national security adviser Robert O’Brien on CrypenTuesday said he and two U.S. ambassadors who served in the Trump administration met with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials from the country.
John Rakolta, who served under Trump as ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, and Ed McMullen, who served as ambassador to Switzerland, participated in the meeting. Reuters reported first on the meeting.
Former President Donald Trump is the presumptive 2024 GOP presidential nominee challenging President Joe Biden’s reelection. O’Brien notified the Biden administration of the trip, as it is routine for former senior officials.
The meeting happened as the United States-Israel relations hit a low point over Biden’s decision to hold up the delivery of heavy bombs. He has warned other provisions may be suspended as well if Israel takes on a widescale operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.
On Monday, however, both countries strongly condemned an effort by the International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor to seek arrest warrants for Israeli officials in connection with the Gaza war. Biden said the U.S. would stand with Israel.
The Gaza war has been a challenge for both leaders, whose political futures are at risk.
What to know about the 2024 Election
Trump has criticized Biden, accusing him of abandoning a key ally. And Biden also faces pro-Palestinian protests in campuses.
Netanyahu vowed to destroy Hamas after the Oct. 7 rampage in southern Israel in which 1,200 people were killed and some 250 were taken hostage. His critics have blamed him for the failures of Oct. 7 and have accused him of prolonging the war for his political survival.
The Trump administration advisers also met with Israel’s opposition leader Yair Lapid and other officials. ______
Gomez Licon reported from Miami.
2025-04-30 13:502975 view
2025-04-30 13:45257 view
2025-04-30 12:442577 view
2025-04-30 12:122492 view
2025-04-30 12:02333 view
2025-04-30 11:472050 view
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Lawyers for Alex Murdaugh are taking two paths to appeal his murder conviction
GORHAM, Maine (AP) — The driver of a dump truck learned the hard way that it’s best not to tempt fat
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas’ state police chief who came under scrutiny over the hesitant response to