The Israeli-American Civic Action Network (ICAN) proudly supports the nomination of Pete Hegseth as the next U.S. Secretary of Defense. A proven leader, Secretary-Designate Hegseth embodies the strength, vision, and determination needed to guide our nation's defense and uphold America's unwavering commitment to Israel and global security.
A Bold Leader with Unparalleled Dedication
Secretary-Designate Hegseth has spent his life serving the United States with courage and integrity. As a decorated Army veteran with two Bronze Stars and extensive experience in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Guantanamo Bay, he has consistently proven his ability to lead in the most challenging environments.
Beyond his battlefield service, Secretary-Designate Hegseth has been a staunch advocate for Israel and a champion of the enduring U.S.-Israel alliance. His deep understanding of Israel's security needs and his commitment to shared democratic values will strengthen this vital partnership and ensure the safety and prosperity of both nations.
Rising to Meet Critical Challenges
The threats facing the U.S. and its allies demand decisive leadership. Secretary-Designate Hegseth is prepared to lead during this time, from countering the threat posed by a nuclear Iran to working to expand the transformational Abraham Accords. His bold leadership will help safeguard regional stability and build a more secure future for America, Israel, the region, and the world.
Key Areas of Focus for the Secretary of Defense
The following are critical areas of concern shared by ICAN and the communities we represent, which we urge Secretary-Designate Hegseth to prioritize during his confirmation hearings and throughout his tenure as U.S. Secretary of Defense:
1. Strengthening U.S.-Israel Defense Cooperation: Deepen collaboration on counterterrorism operations, joint military training, and intelligence sharing to address threats posed by Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. Accelerate the development and deployment of advanced missile defense systems, such as Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow, while ensuring seamless integration into U.S. and allied defense frameworks.
2. Confronting a Nuclear Iran: Prioritize deterring Iran’s nuclear ambitions by enhancing military preparedness in the region, including prepositioning critical assets. Coordinate with allies to maintain a credible deterrent posture, enforce sanctions, and prepare contingencies for potential military action if Iran advances its nuclear capabilities.
3. Preparing for Modern Warfare: Invest in cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and space-based systems, to counter threats from state and non-state actors. Ensure the military is equipped to handle hybrid warfare scenarios involving cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and proxy conflicts.
4. Addressing Regional Instability: Support U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) in stabilizing the Middle East by fostering regional defense initiatives among Abraham Accords nations. Promote joint military exercises and strategic partnerships to counter shared threats while encouraging defense interoperability among allies.
5. Defense Diplomacy in Support of the Abraham Accords: Champion efforts to expand the Abraham Accords by integrating defense cooperation into normalization talks with relevant regional partners. Use military partnerships, as appropriate, as a tool for promoting regional stability and economic collaboration.
ICAN encourages U.S. Senators, community leaders, and all those committed to a strong U.S.-Israel relationship to recognize the importance of this nomination and to support a timely and thoughtful confirmation process, ensuring that America has the leadership needed to strengthen its relationship with Israel during this historic time.
What It Means to Be Pro-Israeli-American
At ICAN, being pro-Israeli-American means uniting Israeli-American immigrants and pro-Israel Americans into a cohesive, action-oriented coalition that strengthens the U.S.-Israel alliance while addressing domestic challenges that both communities face, like hate and antisemitism. It is an advocacy model rooted in shared values of democracy, innovation, and security, reflecting the unique role Israeli-Americans play as a bridge between two vibrant democracies. Pro-Israeli-American advocacy recognizes that the future stability and strength of the U.S.-Israel relationship depends on:
- Building bipartisan support for policies that strengthen mutual security and economic prosperity.
- Promoting the value of initiatives like the Abraham Accords, which exemplify the power of regional cooperation and diplomacy.
- Combating antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment through people-to-people, Israeli-American immigrant, and pro-Israel American cooperation.
This approach is dynamic, inclusive, and forward-looking, ensuring that our communities have a powerful and unified voice in shaping policies that benefit both nations.
The Israeli-American Civic Action Network (ICAN) is the only organization that brings together Israeli and American activists to create change for a better America, a more secure Israel, and a stronger U.S.-Israel alliance.
ICAN works with community leaders, public officials, and grassroots organizations to strengthen the bond between the United States and Israel at all levels of government through civic education, advocacy, and public engagement. It also promotes policies that support the Israeli-American community and foster mutual understanding. With a focus on policy leadership and strategic engagement, ICAN is committed to empowering Israeli-American activists and pro-Israel Americans to take an active role in shaping public policy.
Learn more about the Israeli-American Civic Action Network at IsraelUSA.org.