McMaster’s deputy is Dina Powell, a former Bush administration official who was born in Egypt and is fluent in Arabic. She’s considered close to Trump’s daughter, Ivanka, and is emerging as an influential voice in the White House on Mideast-related issues. Powell took part in Trump’s recent meetings with Arab leaders, including with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, and accompanied U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis on his recent visit to Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

Powell didn’t continue on with Mattis to Israel, however, since she was asked to accompany aid worker Aya Hijazi – an American citizen who was jailed in Egypt for three years and freed during Mattis’ visit – back to the United States. She is expected to join Trump on the upcoming trip.