Brett Holmgren, the assistant secretary of state for intelligence and research, has issued a stark warning about the implications of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, emphasizing its role in fueling recruitment among terrorist organizations and inspiring lone actors who oppose the United States’ unwavering support for Israel. In an interview with The Washington Post, Holmgren highlighted the October 7 assault by Hamas into Israel as a pivotal event that extremist groups across the Middle East and globally are exploiting as a recruitment tool, according to Washington Post.
“The events unfolding in Gaza represent a generational turning point that terrorist organizations are actively leveraging,” Holmgren stated. He pointed to recent incidents in Europe, where individuals have been apprehended for planning attacks on Jewish sites, underscoring the tangible impact of heightened tensions.
Holmgren’s remarks come as he prepares to take on the role of acting director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), succeeding Christine Abizaid. His tenure overseeing the State Department’s intelligence efforts has coincided with complex geopolitical challenges, including conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, and escalating threats posed by major powers like China and Russia, as well as by extremist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS affiliates.
The State Department’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR), where Holmgren has been pivotal, plays a crucial yet often understated role within the U.S. intelligence community. Known for its insightful analyses, INR has historically provided prescient assessments on critical global issues, from the Vietnam War to the Iraq invasion. Notably, INR’s dissenting view in 2002, challenging the CIA’s assessment on Iraq’s alleged nuclear ambitions, underscored one of the most significant intelligence controversies in recent U.S. history.
As Holmgren assumes a leadership role at NCTC, his warnings about the repercussions of ongoing conflicts like Gaza serve as a sobering reminder of the multifaceted challenges facing global security. The nexus between geopolitical strife and terrorism underscores the imperative for proactive measures to mitigate radicalization and prevent acts of violence on a global scale