US Ambassador Slams Report on Aide's Wedding Cash Request

A senior advisor at the U.S. Embassy in Israel, David Millstein, has sparked controversy after requesting cash gifts for his upcoming wedding, a practice common in Israel but against U.S. State Department rules. The request, detailed in a WhatsApp message shared with guests, was published by Politico. Millstein later explained the message was mistakenly sent to a wider list than intended, and was meant for close family and friends.

Following the Politico report, an unnamed source from the U.S. intelligence community reportedly called Millstein a "security risk" who should face "serious professional consequences." However, U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Jack Lew, vehemently defended Millstein, calling the report a "completely failed smear attempt" in a post on X. Lew praised Millstein and dismissed the article as a "water pistol" attack.

The report also highlighted Millstein's family connection to influential conservative media personality Mark Levin, his stepfather. The article suggested Millstein leveraged this relationship, a claim Lew denied, stating Millstein never mentioned his stepfather. Levin himself reacted strongly, condemning the article as a "disgraceful and disgusting smear" and "character assassination."

Senator Ted Cruz, who previously employed Millstein, also criticized the report, calling it "garbage" and stating that those involved should be ashamed.