US Congress proposes joint defense technology program with Israel

The House Armed Services Committee’s draft Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act includes Section 224, titled the “United States‑Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative.” The provision, hidden within a $1.15 trillion defense bill, would create a permanent Pentagon agency to coordinate U.S. and Israeli military cooperation and authorize joint weapons co‑production, research and development, technology licensing, and deep integration in artificial intelligence, cyberwarfare, autonomous systems and biotech.

Critics argue the measure bypasses public debate and contradicts recent public opinion. Pew surveys in March 2026 found 60 % of U.S. adults view Israel unfavorably, rising to 80 % among Democrats, while a June 2026 global survey reported a median 67 % unfavorable view of Israel worldwide. The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency recently rated Israeli espionage against the United States as “critical,” the highest designation, citing incidents of spyware on American negotiators and attempts to place listening devices in U.S. Secret Service vehicles. Lawmakers supporting the proposal claim it strengthens a key ally, but opponents warn it could bind U.S. military readiness to Israel’s regional conflicts and grant Israeli entities unprecedented access to American defense technology.