Maher Bitar, who currently serves as the White House Coordinator for Intelligence and Defense Policy at the U.S. National Security Council (NSC), has a background as a radical pro-Palestinian activist and was a prominent leader within the organization Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP). SJP has been involved in pro-Hamas, antisemitic protests on numerous university campuses, with accusations that it serves as a propaganda front for Hamas in the U.S.
As President Joe Biden takes actions to undermine Israel’s defense against Hamas, including withholding arms, Bitar’s past is receiving increased scrutiny. Rep. Ilhan Omar, who has supported radical protests and has a connection to Bitar through her daughter’s involvement in similar activities, has applauded Biden’s decisions.
Bitar’s history includes involvement in events and conferences that demonize Israel, as well as associations with individuals who have expressed extreme views against Israel. He has also worked for organizations that have been implicated in terrorist attacks.
Critics, including journalist Caroline Glick and the Zionist Organization of America, have raised concerns about Bitar’s appointment to such a significant intelligence position, citing his anti-Israel activism and lack of experience in the intelligence field. Despite his role in the first impeachment of President Trump, Bitar’s current position does not require Senate confirmation.
Overall, Bitar’s background and connections have raised alarms about the influence of anti-Israel sentiments at the highest levels of the U.S. government.
