More than six dozen retired U.S. military flag officers have signed multiple letters endorsing U.S. and Israeli aggression against Iran.
But many of these former high-ranking officers, some wearing three or four stars, signed the letters not as individuals but as a group on behalf of a “national security” outfit linked to the Israel lobby.
That group is “General and Admirals,” a project of the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA). According to Responsible Statecraft’s reporting, these officers are closely tied to the U.S. defense industry, which profits significantly from arms sales to Israel.
JINSA was instrumental in drafting a dangerous provision within the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act that would deeply integrate the U.S. and Israeli militaries.
In August, JINSA publicly claimed credit for shaping key provisions in this year’s defense policy bill, stating that many were “impacted by prior JINSA policy recommendations,” including proposals to strengthen U.S.-Israel defense industrial base integration and renew existing joint programs.
Among these is the controversial Section 219. In the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), this section mandates the creation of a single executive agent tasked with “synchronizing cooperative efforts” between the U.S. and Israel across nine categories, including AI, quantum technology, biotechnology, and virtually all weapons systems.
While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has argued that such provisions would transition the U.S.-Israel security relationship from aid to partnership, pro-Israel advocates emphasize the leverage it provides over Washington’s military policy.
Reports indicate that the plan for enhanced U.S.-Israel military cooperation originated with Netanyahu. In a message to Israel-First GOP Representative Marlin Stutzman of Indiana, Netanyahu stated: “As I said in our meeting on May 27, 2026, Israel deeply appreciates the financial component of the military aid the United States has generously provided us over the years. The time has now arrived for us to move from aid recipient to partner.”
GOP senators also supported similar provisions.
Responsible Statecraft’s Harrison Berger noted that JINSA’s other initiatives similarly reflect an Israeli government wishlist.
The group’s primary influence in the U.S. comes from its “Generals and Admirals” program, a 45-year-old initiative that sends recently retired military officials to Israel. Berger reported that many participants joined defense industry boards before or shortly after these trips. At least 55 of the 83 alumni from the 2019-2026 cohorts (about 66%) hold current or past positions in the defense industry, including board seats, executive roles, advisory positions at contractors and technology firms, and posts at investment funds, consultancies, and lobbying shops.
JINSA aims to leverage these retired officers’ credentials and industry connections to become Israel’s advocates. During their trips to Israel, these officers meet with the prime minister, defense minister, chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces, and director of Mossad.
Founded in 1981, the program was designed “to ensure that the delegation is well briefed on the security concerns of Israel, as well as the key role Israel plays as a friend and ally of the United States.” JINSA CEO Michael Makovsky highlighted their influence in 2014, calling U.S. generals and admirals “America’s most admired leaders, who remain very influential even after retirement.”
In 2023, a report by the Quincy Institute (publisher of Responsible Statecraft) found that 80 percent of four-star officers retiring between June 2018 and July 2023 moved into defense industry roles. Of 32 tracked officers, nine appeared on JINSA’s participant lists, with seven holding lobbying or defense-tech positions.
These officers have unofficially lobbied for Israel on Capitol Hill. Sixteen years ago, then-U.S. Central Command chief General David Petraeus warned that anti-American sentiment in the Middle East was growing from “a perception of U.S. favoritism for Israel.” JINSA’s network of flag officers has been active in this space, with thirty of them releasing an ad claiming that “a strong, secure Israel is an asset.”
The group recently defended Israel’s actions in Gaza and has published three letters endorsing U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran.
In March 2025, they wrote: “American support for Israeli action to prevent a nuclear Iran should be a top priority.” They further stated that “what Israel seeks from the United States is support to ensure the maximum effectiveness of its actions and manage the risk of Iranian retaliation.”
They urged the U.S. to provide Israel with “vital munitions, weapons systems, defenses, and support” to counter Iran’s threats. The officers noted that Iran could produce weapons-grade uranium in days and build deeper underground facilities.
In June 2025, they backed Israel’s strike on Iran’s supposed nuclear facilities and called for increased U.S. support. On March 3, 75 flag officers cheered President Trump’s attack on Iran, again to prevent a nuclear program.
The officers claimed that Iran was “developing missile and nuclear capability to threaten the eastern seaboard of the United States.” They noted that despite Operation Midnight Hammer—actions described by then-Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard as having “destroyed” and “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program—Iran continued to “rebuild elements of its destroyed infrastructure.”
However, Director Gabbard told the Senate Intelligence Committee on March 18 that Iran had not attempted to rebuild its enrichment capability. She stated: “As a result of Operation Midnight Hammer, Iran’s nuclear enrichment program was obliterated.” There have been no efforts since then to rebuild their enrichment capabilities.
