A senior U.S. State Department expert on the Israel-Palestine conflict, who has been critical of President Joe Biden’s approach to the war in Gaza, has resigned, according to a report.
Andrew Miller, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Israeli-Palestinian Affairs, criticized Biden’s “bear hug” approach to Israel during the conflict.
Known for his strong support of Palestinian rights and statehood, Miller cited the difficulty of seeing his family during Israel’s 260-day war as a primary reason for his resignation. He expressed a desire to remain in his role to “fight for what he believes” if not for family obligations, the Washington Post reported on Friday.
The State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment, but spokesperson Matthew Miller confirmed Miller’s departure. “Andrew brought deep experience and sharp perspective to the table every day,” he said. “Everyone here is sorry to see him go, but we wish him well in his next endeavors.”
A U.S. official noted that Miller advocated for the U.S. to leverage its substantial military, economic, political, and diplomatic support to Israel more effectively. “He’s certainly on the more progressive side of administration officials when it comes to the region, including on Israel-Palestine, but he has also never been a ‘burn it all down and forgo pragmatism’ type,” the official said. “He has always advocated that the United States should support Palestinian rights and statehood, but his advocacy while in government has generally been quiet and measured.”
Miller’s resignation follows a surge of departures from the Biden administration, with at least eight officials resigning in protest over the president’s handling of the Gaza war. His resignation is particularly notable as he held a senior role in Israel-Palestine policymaking.
Other resignations include Stacy Gilbert, a former senior State Department official who left due to Israel’s hindrance of aid into Gaza, and Hala Rharrit, a former American diplomat who criticized Biden’s Gaza policy as militaristic and counterproductive to peace.
Josh Paul, a former senior State Department staffer, was the first to resign over Biden’s handling of the war, sparking a wave of resignations. Paul has since become a regular participant in pro-Palestine protests in Washington.
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