US lawmakers clash over Israel defense tech integration in NDAA
A bipartisan proposal in the fiscal 2027 NDAA seeks to deepen U.S.-Israel defense technology cooperation, designating a Pentagon executive agent for joint research on cyber, AI, and unmanned systems. Supporters argue it streamlines existing programs, but critics Reps. Khanna and Massie plan amendments to strip the measure, citing sovereignty concerns and entanglement in the unpopular war on Iran. The House Armed Services Committee will debate the measure on June 4, 2026.
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House panel rejects attempt to halt US-Israel defense tech integration
The House Armed Services Committee voted down an amendment by Rep. Ro Khanna that sought to remove a measure increasing US-Israel defense technology cooperation from the fiscal 2027 defense policy bill. The United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative, which passed as part of the NDAA, would codify and expand military technical cooperation between the two countries and create a Pentagon liaison position. Khanna argued the US should not give more support to Prime Minister Netanyahu amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. Eight committee members spoke against the amendment, including ranking Democrat Rep. Adam Smith, who acknowledged concerns about Netanyahu but said the measure improves oversight. Rep. Sara Jacobs supported Khanna, citing public opposition to more military aid. The initiative shifts from a traditional aid model to co-production and procurement, reflecting a changing US-Israel relationship.
Military TimesHouse panel rejects attempt to block US-Israel defense technology integration
The House Armed Services Committee voted down an amendment by Rep. Ro Khanna that sought to remove a measure increasing defense technology cooperation between the U.S. and Israel from the fiscal 2027 defense policy bill. The United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative, which would codify and expand military technical cooperation and create a Pentagon liaison position, was approved as part of the NDAA. Khanna argued the U.S. should not give more support to Prime Minister Netanyahu, while committee leaders like Chairman Mike Rogers and ranking Democrat Adam Smith said the measure improves oversight and streamlines existing programs. Only one other committee member, Rep. Sara Jacobs, supported Khanna's amendment. The debate reflects growing public opposition to U.S. military aid to Israel, with polls showing 60% of Americans disapprove of additional aid. Experts note the shift from an aid model to co-production and procurement signals a changing U.S.-Israel relationship.
Navy TimesHouse Panel Rejects Attempt to Block US-Israel Defense Tech Integration
The House Armed Services Committee advanced the United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative as part of the fiscal 2027 defense policy bill, after defeating an amendment by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) that sought to halt the measure. The initiative would codify and expand military technical cooperation between the U.S. and Israeli defense industries, including creating a Pentagon liaison. Khanna argued the U.S. should not increase cooperation with Israel under Prime Minister Netanyahu, citing ongoing conflicts in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. Committee leaders, including Chairman Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) and ranking Democrat Adam Smith (D-Wash.), defended the measure as improving oversight and leveraging Israeli technology. Only Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.) supported Khanna's amendment. The House version of the NDAA is expected for a floor vote in mid-July. Analysts note the shift from aid-based cooperation to co-production reflects Israel's anticipation of post-2028 MOU changes.
Army TimesHouse Panel Rejects Bid to Block US-Israel Defense Tech Integration
A House Armed Services Committee panel defeated an amendment by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) that sought to remove a measure increasing U.S.-Israel defense technology cooperation from the fiscal 2027 defense policy bill. The United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative, part of the House's NDAA, would codify and expand bilateral military technical cooperation and create a Pentagon liaison. Khanna argued the U.S. should not give Israel more support amid Prime Minister Netanyahu's multi-front wars. Eight committee members, including Democrats, opposed the amendment, arguing it improves oversight. Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.) supported Khanna, citing public opposition to more military aid. The full House is expected to vote on the NDAA in mid-July.
Marine Corps TimesHouse Panel Rejects Bid to Block US-Israel Defense Tech Integration
The House Armed Services Committee voted down an amendment by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) that sought to remove a measure from the FY2027 defense policy bill that would codify and expand defense technology cooperation between the U.S. and Israel. The measure, part of the National Defense Authorization Act, creates a Pentagon liaison to streamline existing programs. Khanna argued the U.S. should not increase cooperation with Israel under Prime Minister Netanyahu, citing ongoing conflicts in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. Committee leaders, including Chairman Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) and Ranking Democrat Adam Smith (D-Wash.), countered that the initiative improves oversight and leverages Israeli technology. Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.) supported Khanna, noting public opposition to more military aid. Expert Michael Hanna of the International Crisis Group suggested the shift from aid to co-production reflects a changing U.S.-Israel relationship.
Marine Corps TimesHouse Panel Rejects Attempt to Block US-Israel Defense Technology Integration
The House Armed Services Committee voted down an amendment by Rep. Ro Khanna that sought to remove a measure increasing cooperation between the U.S. and Israeli defense technology sectors from the fiscal 2027 defense policy bill. The United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative, which was approved as part of the NDAA, would codify and expand military technical cooperation and create a Pentagon liaison. Khanna argued the U.S. should not give Israel more support amid its multi-front wars, but committee leaders including Chairman Mike Rogers and ranking Democrat Adam Smith countered that the measure improves oversight and leverages Israeli technology. Only Rep. Sara Jacobs supported Khanna's amendment. Experts note the shift from traditional military aid to co-production reflects a changing U.S.-Israel relationship, as public opinion polls show growing American opposition to additional military aid to Israel.
Air Force TimesHouse Panel Rejects Bid to Halt US-Israel Defense Tech Integration
The House Armed Services Committee advanced the United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative as part of the fiscal 2027 defense policy bill, defeating an amendment by Rep. Ro Khanna that sought to stop the measure. The initiative would codify and expand military technical cooperation between the U.S. and Israeli defense industries, creating a Pentagon liaison position. Khanna argued the U.S. should not increase cooperation with Israel under Prime Minister Netanyahu, citing public opposition and ongoing conflicts in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. However, committee leaders, including Chairman Mike Rogers and ranking Democrat Adam Smith, defended the measure, claiming it improves oversight and leverages Israeli technology. Only Rep. Sara Jacobs supported Khanna's amendment. The move signals a shift from traditional military aid to co-production and procurement, according to analyst Michael Hanna of the International Crisis Group.
Navy TimesHouse Panel Rejects Attempt to Halt US-Israel Defense Tech Integration
The U.S. House Armed Services Committee advanced the United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative as part of the fiscal 2027 defense policy bill, defeating an amendment by Rep. Ro Khanna that sought to block it. The initiative codifies and expands military technical cooperation between the U.S. and Israeli defense industries and creates a Pentagon liaison position. Khanna argued the U.S. should not increase cooperation with Israel under Prime Minister Netanyahu, citing public opposition and ongoing conflicts. Committee leaders, including Chairman Mike Rogers and ranking Democrat Adam Smith, countered that the measure improves oversight and leverages Israeli technology. Rep. Sara Jacobs supported Khanna, noting that a majority of Americans oppose more military aid to Israel. The measure is part of the House NDAA, expected for a floor vote in mid-July. Analysts suggest the shift from aid to co-production reflects Israel's anticipation of post-2028 MOU changes.
Military TimesHouse Panel Rejects Bid to Block US-Israel Defense Tech Integration
The House Armed Services Committee advanced the United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative as part of the fiscal 2027 defense policy bill, defeating an amendment by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) that sought to strike the measure. The initiative would codify and expand military technical cooperation between the U.S. and Israeli defense industries and create a Pentagon liaison position. Khanna argued that Congress should not be increasing cooperation with Israel under Prime Minister Netanyahu, citing American public opposition. However, committee leaders, including Chairman Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) and Ranking Democrat Adam Smith (D-Wash.), defended the measure, claiming it improves oversight and streamlines existing programs. Only Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.) supported Khanna's amendment. The debate reflects a shifting U.S.-Israel relationship, moving from an aid model to co-production, according to analyst Michael Hanna of the International Crisis Group.
Marine Corps TimesHouse Panel Rejects Bid to Block U.S.-Israel Defense Tech Integration
The House Armed Services Committee defeated an amendment by Rep. Ro Khanna that sought to remove a measure increasing U.S.-Israel defense technology cooperation from the fiscal 2027 defense policy bill. The measure, part of the House NDAA, would codify and expand military technical cooperation between the two countries and create a Pentagon liaison. Khanna argued the U.S. should not give Israel a 'blank check,' especially under Prime Minister Netanyahu. However, committee leaders, including Chairman Mike Rogers and ranking Democrat Adam Smith, defended the initiative, saying it improves oversight and streamlines existing programs. Eight committee members spoke against Khanna's amendment, which was defeated. The full House is expected to vote on the NDAA in mid-July.
Air Force TimesHouse panel rejects attempt to halt US-Israel defense tech integration
The House Armed Services Committee voted down an amendment by Rep. Ro Khanna that sought to remove a measure increasing US-Israel defense technology cooperation from the fiscal 2027 defense policy bill. The United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative, which passed as part of the NDAA, would codify and expand military technical cooperation between the two countries and create a Pentagon liaison position. Khanna argued the US should not give more support to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, citing public opposition and ongoing conflicts in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. Eight committee members spoke against the amendment, including ranking Democrat Rep. Adam Smith, who acknowledged concerns about Netanyahu but said the measure improves oversight. Rep. Sara Jacobs supported Khanna, arguing the initiative entrenches military ties with no conditions. The move reflects a shift from traditional aid models to co-production and procurement, according to analysts.
Army TimesHouse Panel Rejects Bid to Halt US-Israel Defense Tech Integration
The House Armed Services Committee advanced the United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative as part of the fiscal 2027 defense policy bill, defeating an amendment by Rep. Ro Khanna that sought to stop the measure. The initiative would codify and expand military technical cooperation between the U.S. and Israeli defense industries, creating a Pentagon liaison position. Khanna argued the U.S. should reduce support for Israel under Prime Minister Netanyahu, but only one other Democrat, Rep. Sara Jacobs, supported his amendment. Committee leaders, including Chairman Mike Rogers and ranking Democrat Adam Smith, argued the measure improves oversight and leverages Israeli technology. Critics, including the International Crisis Group, noted the shift from aid to co-production reflects a changing U.S.-Israel relationship. Public opinion polls show a majority of Americans oppose additional military aid to Israel.
Military TimesHouse Panel Rejects Bid to Halt US-Israel Defense Tech Integration
The House Armed Services Committee advanced the United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative as part of the fiscal 2027 defense policy bill, defeating an amendment by Rep. Ro Khanna that sought to stop the measure. The initiative would codify and expand military technical cooperation between the U.S. and Israeli defense industries, creating a Pentagon liaison position. Khanna argued the U.S. should reduce cooperation with Israel under Prime Minister Netanyahu, but only one other Democrat, Rep. Sara Jacobs, supported his amendment. Committee leaders, including Chairman Mike Rogers and ranking Democrat Adam Smith, argued the measure improves oversight and leverages Israeli technology. Critics, including the International Crisis Group, noted the shift from an aid model to co-production reflects a changing bilateral relationship. Public opinion polls show a majority of Americans oppose additional military aid to Israel.
Army TimesHouse panel quashes attempt to stop integration of US, Israel defense tech sectors
The House Armed Services Committee approved a measure to increase cooperation between the U.S. and Israeli defense technology sectors as part of the fiscal 2027 defense policy bill. Rep. Ro Khanna's amendment to strike down the proposal failed with little support. The initiative would codify military technical cooperation and create a Pentagon liaison. Critics, including Khanna and Rep. Sara Jacobs, argued it deepens entanglement with Israel amid ongoing conflicts and public opposition. Supporters, including committee chair Mike Rogers and ranking Democrat Adam Smith, said it improves oversight and leverages Israeli technology. The move signals a shift from traditional aid models to co-production, according to analysts.
Air Force TimesHouse panel quashes attempt to stop integration of US, Israel defense tech sectors
A House Armed Services Committee panel advanced the United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative as part of the fiscal 2027 defense policy bill, defeating an amendment by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) to strike it. The initiative codifies and expands military technical cooperation between the U.S. and Israeli defense industries, creating a Pentagon liaison. Khanna argued the U.S. should not increase cooperation with Israel under Prime Minister Netanyahu, citing public opposition and ongoing conflicts. Committee leaders, including Chairman Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) and ranking Democrat Adam Smith (D-Wash.), countered that the measure improves oversight and streamlines existing programs. Only Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.) supported Khanna. Analysts note the shift from traditional aid memoranda to co-production models. The NDAA is expected for a floor vote in mid-July.
Navy TimesUS House Panel Passes Measure Deepening Military Ties with Israel Amid War Crimes Allegations
The House Armed Services Committee passed a measure (Section 224) in the National Defense Authorization Act that deepens military cooperation between the U.S. and Israel, despite allegations of Israeli war crimes in Gaza. Democratic Representative Ro Khanna's amendment to remove the provision failed by a voice vote, leaving no recorded stances. Section 224 requires the Secretary of Defense to designate an executive agent to synchronize U.S.-Israel military efforts, including defense technology research and industrial cooperation—a privilege no other country has. Critics argue it entrenches Israeli technology in the U.S. defense supply chain, shielding it from annual appropriations scrutiny amid declining public support for Israel. Only one other Democrat, Rep. Sara Jacobs, co-sponsored Khanna's amendment. The provision's fate remains uncertain when the full Congress votes on the NDAA.
The New RepublicUS House Committee Passes Measure Deepening Military Ties with Israel Amid War Crimes Allegations
The House Armed Services Committee passed a measure (Section 224) in the National Defense Authorization Act that deepens military cooperation between the U.S. and Israel, despite allegations of Israeli war crimes in Gaza. Democratic Representative Ro Khanna's amendment to remove the provision failed by a voice vote, leaving no recorded stances. Section 224 requires the Secretary of Defense to designate an executive agent to synchronize U.S.-Israel military efforts, including defense technology research and industrial cooperation—a privilege no other country has. Critics argue the provision entrenches Israeli technology in the U.S. defense supply chain, shielding it from annual appropriations scrutiny as public support for Israel declines. Only one other Democrat, Rep. Sara Jacobs, co-sponsored Khanna's amendment. The provision's fate remains uncertain when the full Congress votes on the NDAA.
The New RepublicUS House Committee Passes Measure Deepening Military Ties with Israel Amid War Crimes Allegations
The House Armed Services Committee passed a measure (Section 224) in the National Defense Authorization Act that deepens military cooperation between the U.S. and Israel, despite allegations of Israeli war crimes in Gaza. Democratic Representative Ro Khanna's amendment to remove the provision failed by a voice vote, leaving no recorded stances. Section 224 requires the Secretary of Defense to designate an executive agent to synchronize U.S.-Israel military efforts, including defense technology research and industrial cooperation—a privilege no other country has. Critics argue it entrenches Israeli technology in the U.S. defense supply chain, shielding it from annual appropriations scrutiny. Only one other Democrat, Rep. Sara Jacobs, co-sponsored Khanna's amendment. The provision comes as U.S. public support for Israel plummets and as the pro-Israel lobby AIPAC influences midterm races. Netanyahu has claimed to support ending U.S. military aid, likely because provisions like Section 224 ensure continued assistance through other means. The full Congress will vote on the NDAA later.
The New RepublicLawmakers quarrel over effort to boost defense tech integration between US and Israel
A measure in the House's fiscal 2027 defense bill, the United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative, aims to expand and accelerate bilateral defense technology research, development, and industrial cooperation. Introduced by Reps. Mike Rogers and Adam Smith, it would designate a defense secretary executive agent to synchronize efforts. The initiative faces pushback from Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, who plan amendments to strip it, citing sovereignty concerns. The debate occurs amid the US-Israel war on Iran, which is unpopular per polls, and follows $13.4 billion in US military aid to Israel after the Oct. 7, 2023 attack. Rogers defends the measure as adding transparency and efficiency without ceding command control. The House Armed Services Committee will debate it during NDAA markup.
Navy TimesLawmakers quarrel over effort to boost defense tech integration between US and Israel
A measure in the House's fiscal 2027 defense bill, the United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative, aims to expand bilateral defense technology research and industrial cooperation. Introduced by Reps. Mike Rogers and Adam Smith, it would designate a defense secretary executive agent to synchronize efforts. The initiative faces pushback from Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie, who plan amendments to strip it, citing sovereignty concerns. The debate occurs amid the US-Israel war on Iran and follows $13.4 billion in US military aid to Israel after the Oct. 7, 2023 attack. The House Armed Services Committee will debate the measure during NDAA markup.
Navy Times