Overview

• Shahed Ghoreishi, a contractor serving as lead press officer for Israeli‑Palestinian affairs, was terminated over the weekend after objections from Embassy Jerusalem and senior political appointees.
• A draft line he wrote saying the U.S. does not support forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza was cut, though he says it reflected statements by President Donald Trump and envoy Steve Witkoff.
• He also removed a reference to the West Bank as “Judea and Samaria” in a press document and proposed condolences for journalists killed in Gaza, steps department leadership declined to adopt.
• The State Department characterized the matter as an internal personnel issue and warned against leaks, while activist Laura Loomer publicly claimed influence over his removal.
• Reporting cites Ambassador Mike Huckabee’s adviser David Milstein as a key internal opponent, and union representatives and colleagues cautioned the firing could chill professional communications work.