Merav Ceren Appointed to National Security Council

The Trump administration has appointed Merav Ceren, a former employee of Israel's Ministry of Defense and a fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, to oversee Iran and Israel policy at the National Security Council (NSC). This move has sparked controversy and concern among critics and advocacy groups like CAIR, who argue that her past work with the Israeli government could present a conflict of interest and potentially bias U.S. policy towards a more hawkish stance on Iran. Supporters within the administration, including NSC spokesperson Brian Hughes, defend Ceren as a 'patriotic American' with extensive experience in U.S. government roles, emphasizing her commitment to implementing the President's agenda. The timing of her appointment coincides with heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, and ongoing debates within the Trump administration about whether to pursue diplomacy or military action. Reports highlight that Israeli officials have been pressuring the U.S. to adopt a tougher approach toward Iran, while senior American officials have at times pushed back against such calls. The controversy underscores broader debates over foreign influence and the direction of U.S. Middle East policy.