'Israeli' concern over campaign to oust pro-'Israel' US officials
'Israel' is reportedly alarmed by recent shifts within the US administration, as several high-ranking officials known for their strong support for 'Israel' have been dismissed or reassigned.
According to a report by the 'Israeli' newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth (Ynet), the changes reflect a growing divergence between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly over a possible strike on Iran and the continuation of the war in Gaza.
Among those removed are Merav Ceren, an 'Israeli'-American who headed the Iran and 'Israel' desk at the National Security Council, and Eric Trager, head of the Middle East and North Africa office.
Both were appointed by former National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, a staunch ally of 'Israel' who was also recently dismissed by Trump. They were replaced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who now holds direct oversight of their former responsibilities.
Another departure is expected soon: Morgan Ortagus, deputy to US envoy Steve Witkoff and responsible for the Lebanon file, is set to leave her post, not by choice, according to the paper. Ortagus, who converted to Judaism and openly displays a Star of David necklace, is regarded as one of the most passionate pro-'Israel' voices in the administration.
She played a central role in mediating a ceasefire between 'Israel' and Lebanon and pressing Beirut to crack down on Hezbollah and disarm Palestinian refugee camps.
Her expected departure has reportedly caused alarm among pro-'Israel' circles in Washington and Jerusalem alike.
Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, affiliated with Hezbollah, reported on Ortagus’ exit and noted that she had sought a promotion to oversee the Syria file, currently handled by Thomas Barrack. Sources at the US embassy in Beirut said Ortagus completed her role during a transitional phase and would be replaced by a senior appointee—possibly Joel Rayburn or Barrack himself. Another name floated as a potential successor is Lebanese-American businessman Massad Boulos, father of Michael Boulos, who is married to Tiffany Trump.
MTV Lebanon later confirmed Ortagus’ dismissal, citing professional reasons and tensions with colleagues in the State Department. Her visit to Beirut was canceled, and Joel Rayburn is expected to be appointed Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, overseeing the Lebanon file. Ortagus is not expected to take on any new overseas assignments.
According to Yedioth Ahronoth, sources familiar with US-'Israel' relations believe the reshuffle aligns with Trump's "America First" agenda. While the moves may not be directly aimed at 'Israel', they reflect a broader effort to consolidate foreign policy decisions within the White House, reducing the influence of external actors and agencies.
The paper noted that despite Secretary Rubio’s own pro-'Israel' stance, he is not seen as ideologically committed to 'Israel’s' agenda in the same way as Waltz was. Rubio is described as pragmatic and aligned with the internal political currents in Washington.
The driving force behind these changes, the report claims, appears to be Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., and Vice President J.D. Vance.
'Israeli' officials fear more dismissals could follow, as pro-'Israel' figures are gradually pushed out in what some interpret as a growing "isolationist" trend within the Trump administration. This shift, rooted in skepticism toward foreign entanglements, could weaken 'Israel’s' sway over US foreign policy.
In closed-door conversations, Netanyahu reportedly expressed frustration with his close adviser Ron Dermer, blaming him for misjudging the trajectory of US policy. “Dermer was sure the US would never turn against us,” a senior 'Israeli' official told Ynet. “But he was wrong. This is not the America we thought we knew.”
'Israeli' officials are now closely monitoring what they see as a significant and potentially permanent shift in US posture toward 'Israel' and the broader Middle East.
