American Global Strategies announced that Meir Ben-Shabbat, the former National Security Advisor and Head of the National Security Council of Israel, has joined the firm as a Senior Advisor, adding decades of experience in national security, intelligence, counterterrorism, cyber operations, and regional policy.
In his new role, Ben-Shabbat will advise clients on Middle East strategy, Israel-related security and policy matters, counterterrorism, intelligence risks, and the strategic implications of diplomatic and security developments in the region.
Ben-Shabbat served as Israel’s National Security Advisor and Head of the National Security Council from 2017 to 2021. During his tenure, he played a central role in the Abraham Accords and served as a senior adviser to the Prime Minister and the Israeli government on national security issues.
Prior to leading the National Security Council, Ben-Shabbat spent 30 years with the Israel Security Agency, known as Shin Bet. During that period, he held several senior positions, including leadership roles in the agency’s Counter-Terrorism, Research and Policy Division, SIGINT and Cyber Division, and Southern Command, where he oversaw responsibilities related to the Gaza Strip and southern Israel.
Ben-Shabbat currently serves as head of the Misgav Institute for National Security in Israel. He previously served as a director of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and as a member of the advisory board of the SIBF venture capital fund. He also serves on advisory boards for Israeli public organizations focused on leadership and management.
American Global Strategies was founded by former U.S. National Security Advisor Robert C. O’Brien and former National Security Council Chief of Staff Alexander B. Gray. The Washington, D.C.-based firm provides strategic advisory services with a team that includes former officials from the White House, State Department, Treasury Department, Commerce Department, the Pentagon, USTR, and Capitol Hill.
Ben-Shabbat was awarded the U.S. Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service.
KEY QUOTES:
“Meir Ben-Shabbat is one of Israel’s most respected national security professionals, with deep experience across intelligence, counterterrorism, cyber, and regional diplomacy. His leadership during the Abraham Accords process, combined with his decades of service in Israel’s security establishment, will add important perspective for AGS clients on the Middle East, U.S.-Israel relations, and the strategic challenges shaping today’s security environment.”
Robert C. O’Brien, Chairman, American Global Strategies
“AGS has brought together, under one roof, former national security advisors to three of the most consequential leaders of our time. President Donald J. Trump, the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu each relied on the counsel of Robert O’Brien, Shigeru Kitamura, and Meir Ben-Shabbat as they led their nations through critical periods. AGS can now make that rare combination of experience, judgment, and strategic insight available to the CEOs of the world’s leading companies.”
Alexander Gray, Chief Executive Officer, American Global Strategies
“I am proud to once again work alongside Ambassador O’Brien and this outstanding group of leaders, whose experience, creativity, and judgment span the full range of national security challenges. I believe this partnership can help address the challenges of today and tomorrow, and contribute to solutions that advance a safer and more prosperous world.”
Meir Ben-Shabbat, Senior Advisor, American Global Strategies
