Trump Counterterrorism Expert Sparks Debate Over Israel and Palestine

Sebastian Gorka, appointed as senior director for counterterrorism by Donald Trump, has drawn attention with his recent remarks on Israel and the Palestinian territories. Known for his staunch support of Israel, Gorka declared that “Palestine” does not exist and called for Israel to prioritize military action over diplomacy in dealing with terrorism.

During a November 16 interview with RT, Gorka rejected the concept of genocide in Gaza, stating, “There isn’t any genocide in Gaza. There is no such thing as Palestine.” He attributed the term “Palestinian” to a Roman effort to insult Jews, dismissing global consensus on the matter. When the host countered with the United Nations' support for Palestinians, Gorka criticized the international organization as ineffective and scandal-ridden, referencing historical allegations of abuse involving U.N. personnel.

Gorka also addressed the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, emphasizing the importance of decisively confronting terrorism. He praised President Trump’s alignment with Israeli leadership and accused Hamas of fabricating casualty figures in Gaza, asserting, “I don’t believe the Hamas Department of Health statistics.”

In a separate interview with Perspectives TV Toronto, Gorka criticized the Israeli military's leadership for underestimating the ideological and existential nature of the threat posed by groups like Hamas. “When more than 70% of Gaza or the West Bank think the murdering of children and the slaughter of young women is good, there is no political negotiation that will bring victory,” he said. Instead, Gorka advocated for the total destruction of terrorist leadership, referencing a recent Israeli operation targeting Hezbollah commanders in Lebanon.

Gorka’s hardline approach has sparked both support and controversy. A longtime advocate for Israel, he was described in 2017 by former Israel Allies Caucus co-chair Rep. Trent Franks as “the staunchest friend of Israel and the Jewish people.”

As the conflict in Gaza continues, Gorka’s statements underline a divisive but unwavering support for Israel’s security, coupled with a rejection of traditional diplomatic avenues in the fight against terrorism. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on critical developments shaping Israel and the region.