In a stark reversal of his official stance while in office, former US State Department spokesman Matt Miller has publicly acknowledged that Israel committed war crimes during its military operations in Gaza.
Speaking in an interview on Sky News’ Trump 100 podcast, Miller stated: “I think it is without a doubt true that Israel has committed war crimes.” He clarified that this view reflects his personal opinion, not the official position of the US government.
Miller’s remarks have drawn attention for what critics call a textbook case of the “just following orders” defence—historically associated with the post-WWII Nuremberg Trials, where Nazi officials were held personally accountable for crimes despite acting under state directives.
While serving as the US State Department’s chief spokesperson, Miller consistently refrained from calling Israeli actions in Gaza war crimes, often citing the need for further assessment. His comments were viewed by many as part of a broader US policy of diplomatic shielding for Israel, even as reports of mass civilian casualties mounted.
The admission has reignited scrutiny over the United States’ legal obligations under the Leahy Law, which prohibits military assistance to foreign forces credibly implicated in gross human rights violations. Critics argue that Miller’s past statements—deliberately avoiding such legal designations—were designed to prevent triggering statutory consequences.
Human rights organisations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have documented numerous incidents in Gaza since 7 October 2023 that they classify as potential war crimes. The United Nations has also launched ongoing inquiries.
Commenting on Miller’s remarks, Washington Post journalist Jeff Stein expressed disbelief that a government official would defend misleading the public simply because of their role, a stance others compared to the “just following orders” defence discredited at the Nuremberg Trials.
Miller defended his past role by stating, “When you’re at the podium, you’re not expressing your personal opinion. You’re expressing the conclusions of the United States government.”
The episode highlights ongoing tensions within US institutions between official foreign policy messaging and internal dissent. Several US officials resigned in protest during the 2023–25 Gaza war, citing moral objections to continued arms transfers to Israel and a lack of accountability for civilian deaths.
With investigations continuing and international legal bodies reviewing potential cases, Miller’s admission may hold long-term significance—not just for US foreign policy, but for efforts to uphold international humanitarian law.
