Link: https://responsiblestatecraft.org/jinsa-israel-iran-war/

The Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA) is a pro-Israel lobby group. It publicly took credit for shaping multiple provisions in this year's defense policy bill. This includes Section 219 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Section 219 mandates a single executive agent to synchronize cooperation between the US and Israel across nine areas. These include AI, quantum technology, biotechnology, and virtually every category of weapons. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said such provisions would move the US-Israel relationship from aid to partnership.

JINSA's most important program is its Generals and Admirals Program. It has existed for more than four decades. The program flies recently retired US military officials to Israel. They meet with Israel's prime minister, defense minister, Israeli Forces chief of staff, and the Director of Mossad. JINSA hopes these former officials will use their credentials and defense industry power to become Israel's advocates. Many participants were already on defense-industry boards. At least 55 of 83 alumni from 2019 to 2026 (about 66%) have held or currently hold positions in the defense industry. These are board seats, executive jobs, advisory roles, or posts at defense-focused investment funds.

JINSA's "Our People" webpage includes 98 retired US military officials, 4 Israeli military major generals, and 7 retired US law enforcement officials. Gen. Joseph Dunford joined Lockheed Martin's board five months after leaving the military and went on JINSA's Israel trip in 2021. Adm. Michael S. Rogers became a senior adviser at Brunswick Group in 2019 and went on the JINSA trip in 2021. Gen. Hawk Carlisle participated in the 2019 delegation while serving as president of the National Defense Industrial Association. He later served on the board of Elbit Systems of America, Israel's largest defense contractor.

JINSA delegates often appear on cable news without disclosing their affiliation. Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, who commanded CENTCOM from 2019 to 2022, traveled with JINSA's 2023 delegation and became a distinguished fellow at JINSA in 2024. He is now a CBS News contributor. In July 2026, McKenzie appeared on Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan. She introduced him as a retired CENTCOM commander but did not mention his JINSA fellowship. In that appearance, McKenzie recommended Washington consider seizing Kharg Island.

In 2010, when Gen. David Petraeus testified that the Israel-Palestine conflict "foments anti-American sentiment," 30 ex-military leaders associated with JINSA put out an ad. They claimed "a strong, secure Israel is an asset" and labeled Israel "a democracy" that "shares our commitment to freedom." In May 2018, a JINSA task force released "Atlas Supported." It urged Washington to elevate Israel to "a top-tier ally." In October 2026, JINSA mobilized its roster to deny findings by human rights groups and the UN that Israel committed genocide in Gaza. They praised what they called a "pattern of law-abiding IDF conduct in Gaza."

One of JINSA's most consequential efforts was pushing the Trump administration to start a war with Iran. In March 2025, JINSA-aligned military leaders wrote a letter arguing "U.S. support for Israeli action to prevent a nuclear Iran should be a top priority." Sixty-six of the 79 signers appear on JINSA's Generals and Admirals participant lists. JINSA members also wrote open letters of support for the 12-Day War and the current Iran War.