Dennis Ross Still Talks to Obama and Bibi
Despite the fact that he resigned from his post in the Obama administration, longtime American diplomat Dennis Ross just cannot quit. Haaretz has learned that Ross still advises President Barak Obama on a regular basis, and maintains an open channel with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Last November, Ross announced he was leaving his post as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for the Central Region, which includes the Middle East, the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, Pakistan and South Asia. Nonetheless, Ross still maintains a working relationship with Tom Donilon, Obama’s National Security Advisor, and with the president himself.
A senior official in the administration told Haaretz that despite his resignation, Ross kept his security clearance, so he could still take part in White House debates and be exposed to classified information. “Dennis still comes in and out of the White House every few days,” the official said.
Ross is currently in Israel speaking at the Jerusalem-based think tank, the Jewish People Policy Planning Institute which he chairs, and at the Institute for National Security Studies.
Two Israeli sources claimed that between engagements Ross secretly met with Netanyahu and his close aide, Isaac Molho. A senior official in Jerusalem confirmed that Ross met Netanyahu, but added that it was a “private” meeting, held at Ross’ request.
For more, go to Haaretz.com
