Arabic version: الكونغرس يقترح تعزيز التعاون العسكري مع إسرائيل

Lawmakers in the United States are quietly advancing a proposal that could deepen military ties between the US and Israel in unprecedented ways. This initiative is part of the 2027 National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA), which includes Section 224, known as the “United States-Israel Defence Technology Cooperation Initiative”. According to Al Jazeera, the NDAA is set to undergo further debate and amendments before becoming law.

The proposed measure aims to enhance military cooperation in various areas, including counter-unmanned systems, missile and air defense technologies, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology. The legislation would require the US defense secretary to designate an official responsible for coordinating military cooperation between the two countries, facilitating joint efforts in defense technology research and development.

Analysts suggest that if passed, this initiative could mark a significant shift in the US-Israel relationship, moving beyond traditional military aid to a more integrated defense partnership. Critics argue that this could entrench military support for Israel as a fundamental aspect of US national security policy, making it less subject to political debate.

The proposal has faced opposition from some legislators, including Representative Thomas Massie, who has expressed intentions to remove the provision if it reaches the House floor. Additionally, there is growing skepticism among the American public regarding unconditional military support for Israel, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, which have raised humanitarian concerns.