Trump foreign policy advisers meet Netanyahu, public figures in Israel

Delegation includes former national security adviser and two ex-ambassadors

WASHINGTON - Three former US foreign policy officials who were in Donald Trump's administration met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other public figures in Israel on May 20, according to a person with direct knowledge of the matter.

The delegation included Mr Robert O'Brien, who served as Trump's fourth and final national security adviser, as well as former ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) John Rakolta and former ambassador to Switzerland Ed McMullen, said the person, who requested anonymity as the trip's itinerary was not made public.

In addition to Mr Netanyahu, members of the delegation were set to meet Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid and several other Israeli officials, the person said.

Among the main goals of the trip was to obtain a better understanding of Israel's complex domestic political situation, said the person familiar with the visit. Mr Netanyahu's coalition is beset by internal disagreements, with many Israelis blaming his government for failing to prevent the Oct 7 Hamas attack.

It was a rare case of Trump allies travelling abroad as part of an organised delegation to meet foreign officials. It took place amid strains between Israel and the Biden administration over Israel's conduct of the war in Gaza.

On May 20, the International Criminal Court's prosecutor in The Hague said he had requested arrest warrants for Mr Netanyahu, his defence chief and three Hamas leaders over alleged war crimes.