A Pentagon official, Col. Nathan McCormack, was removed June 17 from his position advising the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Levant and Egypt affairs after anti–Israel posts surfaced on his X account. McCormack reportedly called Israel a “death cult” and referred to Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government as “Judeo‑supremacist cronies.” The posts drew condemnation and prompted an immediate reassignment to an Army role pending an investigation.
McCormack had held his role since June 2024, preparing national security briefings for senior military leadership. Defense officials stated his views do not reflect the position of the Department of Defense or the Joint Staff, and stressed the importance of staying aligned with U.S. national security interests and alliances.
According to Jewish News Syndicate, McCormack’s posts also claimed U.S. support for Israel undermined broader American foreign policy goals. One adviser described the comments as “dangerous” given his Pentagon role and access to sensitive information.
The inflammation caused by McCormack’s remarks came amid heightened U.S.–Israeli cooperation in the wake of Iran’s escalating nuclear posture and Israel’s military operations. The removal illustrates the administration’s choice to reaffirm support for Israel and enforce ideological discipline within military ranks.
