Senior US Department of State official and expert on Israeli-Palestinian affairs, Andrew Miller, has resigned from his post, citing personal reasons. Miller, the deputy assistant secretary for Israeli-Palestinian affairs, reportedly left his position to spend more time with his family, according to The Washington Post. The ongoing conflict, which has claimed over 37,400 Palestinian lives, had reportedly become “all-consuming” for Miller.
Miller, known for his skepticism towards President Joe Biden’s supportive stance towards Israel, is the latest in a series of resignations from the Biden administration over Washington’s continued backing of Israel. Despite his personal reasons for leaving, Miller indicated he would have preferred to stay on, even in areas where he disagreed with administration policies.
This comes as Al Jazeera reported growing frustration within the Biden administration regarding the president’s strong support for Israel’s actions in Gaza. In recent months, several high-profile resignations have occurred, with officials accusing the president of misrepresenting facts or ignoring the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Miller was instrumental in getting Israeli officials sanctioned
Notably, Miller played a key role in the formulation and execution of a February order that imposed sanctions on several Israeli settlers for attacks on Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank. He previously served as a senior policy adviser to the US ambassador to the United Nations and held positions related to Egypt and Israel’s military issues on the National Security Council during the Obama administration.
Who else has resigned?
In addition to Miller’s resignation, other notable departures from the American government include Major Harrison Mann, who resigned from the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in November, and US airman Aaron Bushnell, who tragically died after setting himself on fire in protest outside Israel’s embassy in Washington, DC, in February.
Meanwhile, as Israeli strikes on Gaza continue, thousands of protesters gathered outside the White House to oppose the ongoing war, with further demonstrations expected as the November presidential election approaches. Additionally, protests are anticipated when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a joint session of Congress next month, with many members of Congress planning to boycott the address.