In a letter to California Senator Barbara Boxer, Hagel wrote: “America’s relationship with Israel is one that is fundamentally built on our nations shared values, common interests and democratic ideals. The Middle East is undergoing dramatic and historic changes, ones which surround Israel with tremendous uncertainty. We are working together daily, hand in hand, in unprecedented ways, to counter old, new and emerging mutual threats. I fully intend to expand the depth and breadth of U.S.-Israel cooperation.”

Hagel’s letter to Boxer is part of a concerted effort led by the White House to convince hesitant Democratic senators to support confirmation of his nomination to the Pentagon.