Colonel Nathan McCormack, a senior officer previously tasked with advising the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on issues related to Israel, has been removed from his position after a series of inflammatory social media posts came to light.
McCormack, who served as the Levant and Egypt branch chief within the Joint Chiefs’ J5 strategic planning directorate, reportedly used a semi-anonymous account on X (formerly Twitter) to publish numerous anti-Israel statements, including describing Israel as a “death cult” and accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government of pursuing a “Judeo-supremacist” agenda.
The Jewish News Syndicate (JNS) first reported on the posts, prompting swift action from the Department of Defense. A Joint Staff official confirmed to The Daily Wire that McCormack was removed from his position and that the matter has been referred to the U.S. Army for further review and potential disciplinary measures.
“These views do not reflect the position of the Joint Staff or the Department of Defense,” the official said. “Our global alliances and partnerships are vital to our national security, enhancing our collective defense, deterrence, and operational reach.”
McCormack’s X account, which has since been deleted, contained multiple posts critical of U.S.-Israel relations and the conduct of the Israeli government, especially following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israeli civilians. In various posts, McCormack questioned whether the United States had become a “proxy” for Israel, accused Israel of ethnic cleansing, and claimed U.S. warnings to Israel ahead of an offensive in Lebanon were ignored.
Despite the account being semi-anonymous — using the name “Nate” — McCormack had shared personal details, including his role, official duties, and even a photo of his Meritorious Service Medal certificate. Some posts reportedly referenced classified or sensitive information, including interactions with the Israeli Defense Forces and details of canceled work travel.
In one particularly controversial post, McCormack claimed that the Department of Defense considered casualty numbers released by the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry to be “generally reliable,” aligning with reports from the United Nations and World Health Organization.
McCormack’s removal underscores the military’s stringent policies on social media use. The Department of Defense instructs all service members to avoid using official titles, insignia, or affiliations in ways that could imply government endorsement of personal views — particularly those involving sensitive geopolitical issues.
The J5 directorate, where McCormack served, is a critical arm of the Joint Chiefs of Staff responsible for developing military strategy and coordinating policy with global partners, including Israel. McCormack had reportedly begun his role in June 2024 and had since played a part in preparing senior U.S. military leadership for engagements with regional allies.
