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Top 5 Jews shaping American policy and Israel’s power
In Washington, Jewish advisers and mediators help shape the world’s most powerful government, while in Israel intelligence and military leaders provide the tools
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In Washington, Jewish advisers and mediators help shape the world’s most powerful government, while in Israel intelligence and military leaders provide the tools
WASHINGTON / TEL AVIV (MNTV) – The Jerusalem Post’s annual ranking of the 50 most influential Jews has once again underscored how much sway a handful of Jewish figures exert in shaping American policy and Israel’s strategic direction.
The top five this year highlight a mix of Washington insiders, private mediators, intelligence chiefs, and political leaders.
What stands out is that two of the top five are Americans – underscoring the central role of Washington in both Middle Eastern diplomacy and global affairs. Two are Israel’s security heavyweights, operating in tandem with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who continues to dominate the political sphere.
In Washington, proximity is power. By controlling access, messaging, and policy drafts, Jewish staffers inside the administration play a decisive role in steering America’s approach to foreign affairs. With Israel’s security a recurring topic in U.S. strategy, their influence is felt well beyond domestic politics.
Stephen Miller – the White House insider
Few unelected officials in Washington wield as much behind-the-scenes influence as Stephen Miller. A longtime adviser to Donald Trump, Miller has been a defining voice on immigration policy, foreign affairs, and U.S. relations with Israel.
The Jerusalem Post notes that Miller remains central to shaping how the White House views the Middle East. “His proximity to the president makes him one of the most powerful Jewish voices in Washington,” the paper said in its 2025 ranking.
Miller’s controversial record on immigration and asylum has often overshadowed his influence on foreign policy, but allies say his hand is evident in how Washington continues to approach Israel’s security concerns and Arab normalization. His presence ensures that Jewish perspectives remain embedded in the policymaking core of the White House.
Steve Witkoff – the peace mediator
At number 2 in the ranking is Steve Witkoff, a billionaire real-estate developer turned political operator. Described by the Jerusalem Post as “Donald Trump’s envoy of peace,” Witkoff has become a quiet but crucial player in Middle East diplomacy.
Witkoff is known for leveraging his connections in Washington, Jerusalem, and Gulf capitals to build informal channels of dialogue. In an era when official diplomacy often stalls, he has stepped into the vacuum to press for ceasefires, encourage confidence-building measures, and sustain back-channel talks.
In an interview quoted by the paper, Witkoff stressed his motivation: “Peace in the Middle East cannot be left to governments alone. People with resources and relationships have to step in when official channels are blocked.”
While experts argue that unelected intermediaries lack accountability, Witkoff’s track record of access and influence makes him one of the few Americans who can call top officials in both Washington and Jerusalem – and be taken seriously.
David Barnea – Mossad’s secret hand
Beyond the U.S., the list shifts to Israel’s power centers. At number three is David Barnea, the director of Mossad.
Barnea has led Israel’s intelligence agency since 2021, overseeing operations that extend far beyond traditional espionage. Under his tenure, Mossad has spearheaded efforts to disrupt Iran’s nuclear program, cultivated ties with Arab intelligence agencies, and played a role in back-channel contacts with countries considering normalization with Israel.
“The Mossad chief is often as influential as any elected official,” the Jerusalem Post observed. “Barnea’s combination of secrecy, strategy, and diplomacy makes him a central pillar of Israel’s global reach.”
Western intelligence partners praise his pragmatic style, while Israeli media frequently describe him as the man who provides the prime minister with both warnings and opportunities.
Eyal Zamir – the military strategist
At number 4 is Eyal Zamir, Israel Defense Forces chief of staff. As the highest-ranking uniformed officer, Zamir shapes every major decision about Israel’s security posture – from Gaza operations to northern border deployments.
Israel is a country where military and politics are deeply intertwined. Every major offensive, defensive alignment, or strategic deterrent has the fingerprints of the chief of staff. Zamir’s role working alongside Netanyahu and Barnea means that intelligence, military, and political decision-making are tightly integrated.
Analysts note that Zamir represents a younger generation of military leadership, one more open to technological warfare and cyber strategy. But at the same time, his command is tested daily by real conflicts, including ongoing instability in Gaza and threats from Hezbollah.
Benjamin Netanyahu – political apex
Capping the list is Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, placed at number one. While not an American figure, his presence looms large over both U.S. and Israeli decision-making.
Netanyahu has been prime minister for most of the past 15 years, surviving political crises, corruption trials, and regional wars. Supporters hail him as Israel’s most effective defender; critics argue he has polarized both his country and Israel’s allies. Yet no assessment of Jewish influence worldwide can exclude him.
The Jerusalem Post ranking calls him “the indispensable figure in Israeli politics,” noting that both Barnea and Zamir ultimately report to him, and that American Jewish influence often intersects with his long tenure in power.
Balance of influence
The mix of two Americans followed by three Israelis illustrates the balance of influence. In Washington, Jewish advisers and mediators help shape the world’s most powerful government. In Israel, intelligence and military leaders provide the tools, while Netanyahu provides the political command.
Together, the five reflect not only Jewish prominence in global affairs but also the enduring importance of U.S.-Israeli ties. As the Jerusalem Post noted, “influence is measured not by titles alone but by the ability to shape outcomes.”
The Top 50
1- Benjamin Netanyahu — Israeli prime minister
2- Steve Witkoff — United States special envoy to the Middle East
3- David Barnea — Chief of the Mossad
4- Eyal Zamir — Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Force
5- Stephen Miller, Adam Boheler — White House advisers
12- Isaac Herzog — Israeli president
13- Boaz Levy — Chief Executive Officer of Israel Aerospace Industries
24- Norman Brownstein, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Josh Gottheimer — Lobbying for Israel on Capitol Hill
25- Wendy Freedman — Scientist
26- Miriam Adelson — The majority shareholder of Las Vegas Sands Corporation
27- David Ellison and Brandon Korff and Adam Neumann — Under-50 business leaders
34- Ifat Ovadia-Luski — chair of the Jewish National Fund; Doron Almog — Chairman of the Executive of The Jewish Agency for Israel; Yael Eckstein — head of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews; Eli Beer — Founder of United Hatzalah
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