Mike Huckabee aide altered embassy reports critical of Israel

Altered diplomatic cables and memos

David Milstein reportedly blocked or rewritten internal documents regarding illegal settlement expansion in the West Bank. He also delayed reports concerning settler violence and the killings of nine Palestinian Americans. These actions raised concerns among embassy staff that information reaching Washington was being distorted.

Investigation sources and scope

The New York Times investigation cited three current officials and nine former diplomats who spoke anonymously. Reporters reviewed dozens of internal communications to verify the claims made by these sources. The newspaper stated that Milstein's interventions surpassed those of any recent predecessor in this role.

Concerns about diplomatic integrity

Several officials told the paper that the aide was undermining diplomatic work and contradicting US policies. They expressed worry that information reaching the government was being manipulated before it arrived in Washington. The investigation found these interventions were significant enough to warrant specific reporting on the matter.