ICAN Statement on the Nomination of Senator Rubio as U.S. Secretary of State

The Israeli-American Civic Action Network (ICAN) proudly supports the nomination of Secretary-Designate Marco Rubio to serve as the next U.S. Secretary of State. Secretary-Designate Rubio’s deep experience in foreign affairs, unwavering leadership on U.S.-Israel relations, and dedication to safeguarding American global interests make him exceptionally equipped to guide U.S. diplomacy during this critical moment in history.

A Visionary Foreign Policy Leader

Secretary-Designate Marco Rubio’s life story is one of dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to strengthening America’s leadership on the global stage. Born in Miami, Florida, to Cuban immigrant parents, Rubio’s upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for the American dream and the values of hard work, family, and freedom.

Throughout his career in public service, Secretary-Designate Rubio has been a leading voice in U.S. foreign policy, with a proven record of supporting America’s allies, particularly Israel, and recognizing its role as a strategic partner and beacon of democracy in the Middle East.

Secretary-Designate Rubio has traveled to Israel multiple times, meeting with key Israeli leaders and reaffirming the unbreakable bond between the two nations. In March 2017, he visited Israel as part of a broader Middle East tour, engaging in discussions to strengthen U.S.-Israel security cooperation and address regional challenges. More recently, in April 2024, as Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Secretary-Designate Rubio traveled to Israel to meet with the Prime Minister and Defense Minister. The trip underscored his unwavering support for Israel’s right to defend itself and his commitment to countering the threats posed by Iran and other regional adversaries.

Navigating Challenges, Building a Stronger Middle East

Over the past year, Secretary-Designate Marco Rubio has been a steadfast advocate for policies that align with ICAN’s core priorities, demonstrating decisive leadership in advancing U.S.-Israel cooperation and addressing critical challenges in the Middle East.

Secretary-Designate Rubio has remained at the forefront of efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons capabilities. He led initiatives like the Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad International Terrorism Support Prevention Act, which imposes sanctions on entities enabling terrorist organizations. His leadership underscores a commitment to counter Iran’s destabilizing influence and protect the security of America’s allies, including Israel​.

In the wake of the horrific October 7th, 2023, attacks by Hamas, Secretary-Designate Rubio has been unequivocal in his support for Israel’s right to self-defense. He has called for decisive action to eliminate the operational capabilities of terrorist organizations threatening Israel’s security while pushing back against narratives that undermine the Jewish state’s ability to protect its citizens​.

Secretary-Designate Rubio has continued to champion the unbreakable bond between the United States and Israel. He remains committed to strengthening U.S.-Israel defense cooperation, including advancing joint efforts to enhance critical missile defense systems like Iron Dome and Arrow. His support for regional initiatives, such as the expansion of the Abraham Accords, reflects a vision of peace, security, and prosperity for Israel and its neighbors​.

Key Areas of Focus for the Secretary of State

The following are critical areas of concern shared by ICAN and the communities we represent, which we urge Secretary-Designate Rubio to prioritize during his confirmation hearings and throughout his tenure as U.S. Secretary of State:

Strengthening U.S.-Israel Alliance

1. Preserving Defense and Security Cooperation: Reinforce existing binational defense, security, and scientific programs while identifying innovative opportunities for engagement.
2. Promoting Economic and Academic Partnerships: Foster collaborations between U.S. and Israeli institutions, including technology, science, and economic sectors.
3. Enhancing State and Local Cooperation: Encourage new intergovernmental initiatives such as sister city relationships and economic development agreements to deepen state and local ties in support of national foreign policy priorities.

Combating Antisemitism and Hate

1. Adopting IHRA Definition: Ensure the State Department actively applies the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism in its policies and reporting, and promote its further adoption by international governments and institutions to establish a unified standard for addressing antisemitism globally.
2. Promote Comprehensive Embassy-level Reporting: Support policies that ensure U.S. embassies provide detailed reports on antisemitic incidents, the security of Jewish communities, and collaborative efforts with European governments and civil society, as mandated by the Combating European Anti-Semitism Act of 2017.

Preventing a Nuclear Iran

1. Reinstating Maximum Pressure Campaign: Recommend robust economic sanctions to deter Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its regional destabilization.
2. Opposing Sanctions Relief: Advise caution against deals that could provide Iran with economic relief, which may enable illicit nuclear activities and support for terrorism.

Promoting the Abraham Accords

1. Expanding Regional Peace Efforts: Advocate for further normalization of relations between Israel and Arab nations, especially Saudi Arabia, strengthening multilateral alliances to counter Iranian influence and enhance regional stability.
2. Supporting U.S. Leadership: Ensure sustained U.S. diplomatic and economic investment to uphold the Abraham Accords as a strategic priority for Middle East peace.

Holocaust Education and Remembrance

1. Expanding Holocaust Education: Interfacing with the appropriate elements of the Never Again Education Act, promote accurate Holocaust education internationally to combat denial, distortion, and rising antisemitism.
2. Countering Holocaust Distortion Internationally: Use diplomatic pressure to combat Holocaust distortion and address historical inaccuracies, particularly with governments like Lithuania, which have been pioneered state-sponsored Holocaust-distortion programs.

Secretary-Designate Rubio’s long track record reaffirms his steadfast commitment to the U.S.-Israel alliance and his ability to lead during this pivotal moment for the Middle East. ICAN looks forward to his confirmation as Secretary of State, confident that his leadership will advance policies that ensure a more secure Israel, a stronger United States, and a more stable region.

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.