A new provision in the US Congress seeks to bring the American and Israeli militaries closer through expanded cooperation in weapons research, production, and technology. The proposal, titled the “United States–Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative,” appears in Section 224 of the House Armed Services Committee’s version of the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). If enacted, it would mark a major shift in one of the world’s closest military partnerships, extending collaboration beyond aid to joint defense industry integration.

Under Section 224, the US Secretary of Defense would appoint an executive agent to coordinate joint research, development, and production, as well as data and systems integration. Former State Department official Josh Paul criticized the measure, warning it would embed Israel deeply into the US defense base and grant it unprecedented access to American technology. The bill also aims to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, drones, and cyber operations.

The initiative follows recent US–Israeli joint military actions in Iran and comes amid regional instability and international scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in Gaza. The proposal has bipartisan support from committee leaders Mike Rogers and Adam Smith but faces growing domestic debate over continued military aid to Israel.