Trump Fires National Security Advisor Waltz Over Israel Discussions

President Donald Trump fired National Security Advisor Michael Waltz after discovering that Waltz had engaged in unauthorized, intensive coordination with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding potential military action against Iran, actions that ran counter to Trump’s diplomacy-focused approach. Waltz’s behind-the-scenes discussions with Israel, which included operational and intelligence cooperation, alarmed senior officials and were perceived as attempts to steer U.S. policy toward confrontation without presidential approval. The breach of protocol, known as 'Signalgate,' where Waltz mistakenly included a journalist in a secure group chat about sensitive security matters, further eroded Trump’s trust in him and ultimately sealed his fate. The episode has sparked internal debate about the future and necessity of the National Security Council, with some suggesting its diminished role under Trump’s administration. Despite his removal, Trump has nominated Waltz to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. The incident underscores broader tensions within the administration over the balance between diplomatic solutions and military intervention in foreign policy.