Colonel Nathan McCormack, a U.S. Army officer serving as a senior planner for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was removed from his advisory role after a series of inflammatory social media posts targeting Israel came to light. The posts, discovered on his X account operating under the pseudonym "Nate," harshly criticized the Israeli government and its military actions, calling into question the U.S.'s strategic partnerships in the region.
McCormack began his tenure as the Levant and Egypt branch chief within the Joint Chiefs of Staff's J5 planning directorate in June 2024. His responsibilities included formulating strategic military guidance and policy recommendations for the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, particularly concerning American allies such as Israel. The discovery of his controversial posts, which included derogatory terms like “death cult” in reference to Israel and disparaging remarks about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, prompted swift action by the Joint Staff.
The posts by McCormack, which have since been deleted, delved into sensitive areas including military planning and diplomatic communications. Prior to his dismissal, he openly shared details and images related to his official duties, including his Meritorious Service Medal certificate. Some of his comments even revealed classified U.S. warnings to Israel about potential escalations with Lebanon.
In the wake of a Hamas terror attack on Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023, McCormack's posts grew increasingly critical of Israel's military responses and U.S. support for the country. He questioned the motives behind Western nations' reluctance to criticize Israel, suggesting it stemmed from "Holocaust guilt." His remarks extended to accusations against the Israeli government of perpetuating conflict to either stay in power or to annex Palestinian lands.
The Pentagon has clarified that McCormack's personal views are not reflective of the Department of Defense or the Joint Staff's stance. Emphasizing the importance of global alliances and partnerships for national security, a Pentagon official confirmed that the case has been referred to the U.S. Army for further investigation and potential disciplinary action.
As McCormack's statements came under scrutiny, he commented on the Department of Defense's perspective regarding casualty figures reported by the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry, calling them "generally reliable," albeit potentially less accurate due to ongoing conflict. His posts crossed a professional line, revealing specifics of diplomatic and military communications not meant for public discussion.
The controversy highlights the delicate balance military personnel must maintain between personal expression and professional obligation. As the Pentagon reviews the incident internally, the implications for operational security and the conduct of service members in public forums remain at the forefront of the discussion.
