White House Official Cancels Appearance at Controversial Jerusalem Conference
Jerusalem, Tuesday, 6 October 2026.
White House counter-terrorism official Sebastian Gorka abruptly withdrew from a Jerusalem political conference, highlighting growing diplomatic sensitivities around transatlantic political alignments and controversial ideological alliances.
Administrative Withdrawal Confirmed
White House counter-terrorism official Sebastian Gorka will no longer attend the political conference in Israel, according to administration officials on 6 October 2026 [1]. A White House spokesperson confirmed the change in participation, citing a scheduling conflict as the primary reason for the withdrawal [1]. This announcement comes as the National Conservatism conference is currently underway in Jerusalem, having commenced on 5 October 2026 [1]. The shift in participation highlights ongoing diplomatic sensitivities regarding foreign political alignments between the U.S. executive branch and transatlantic coalitions [1]. Officials noted that Gorka had condemned Hamas’s 7 October attack on Israel despite his absence from the event [1].
Conference Composition and Controversy
The event features a mix of Israeli, European, and American far-right figures, including individuals previously linked to antisemitism accusations [1]. The program includes Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, who advocated for nuclear action in Gaza in 2023 [1]. European speakers include Hans-Georg Maaßen, former head of Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, and Harald Vilimsky of the Austrian Freedom party [1]. Critics argue that National Conservatism sees in Israel a blueprint for the realization of a white, Christian nation built on racialized exclusion [1]. In September 2026, critic Erick Erickson publicly criticized attendees for allegedly embracing white nationalism and antisemitism [1].
Scheduled Proceedings and Implications
A plenary session titled “The Meaning of October 7” is scheduled for 7 October 2026, featuring speakers such as Israeli diaspora affairs minister Amichai Chikli [1]. The conference is organized by the Edmund Burke Foundation and founder Yoram Hazony, with co-sponsorship from the Sovereignty Movement [1]. Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar is listed to attend the conference dinner scheduled for 6 October 2026 [1]. This gathering underscores the friction surrounding security policy and trade relations within these political networks [1]. The National Conservatism conference series began in 2019 and has previously featured prominent figures such as JD Vance and Viktor Orbán [1].