US Senator Tom Cotton pushes legislation to lock in Israel military aid

U.S. Senator Tom Cotton and like‑minded allies are advancing bills that would embed the United States‑Israel security partnership directly into the Pentagon’s annual budget process. The proposals would insert provisions into the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and a separate intelligence‑authorisation act, making future changes to the 38‑billion‑dollar aid arrangement difficult for presidents or future Congresses.

The legislation would permanently integrate Israeli technology into U.S. research, procurement and production programs and would limit the president’s ability to suspend or restrict intelligence sharing with Israel. Critics argue the strategy circumvents normal foreign‑aid oversight and reduces democratic accountability.

The move comes as the current 10‑year U.S.‑Israel military assistance memorandum expires in 2028 and bipartisan support for unconditional aid erodes. Recent polls show a growing share of Americans view the aid as excessive and hold unfavorable opinions toward Israel. By hard‑wiring the aid into large budget bills, supporters aim to safeguard the relationship against shifting public sentiment and congressional scrutiny.