US Congress panel rejects amendment to block deeper Israel military integration
A voice vote in the House Armed Services Committee saw an effort by Congressman Ro Khanna to revoke the provision fail, with supporters arguing the integration enhances US defence capabilities through Israel’s combat experience.
The House Armed Services Committee has rejected an amendment introduced by Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna to revoke Section 224 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The provision, which mandates deeper military integration between the United States and Israel, failed during a voice vote on Thursday, allowing the measure to advance to the full House of Representatives for consideration.
Section 224 requires the Pentagon chief to designate an executive agent responsible for synchronising cooperative efforts between the two nations. This official would oversee joint initiatives in defence technology, research, development, testing, evaluation, and industrial cooperation. Critics, including the nonprofit lobbying group A New Policy, argue the measure may make US military aid to Israel more opaque by concealing assistance as cooperation rather than separate expenses.
Khanna argued that the provision rewards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and undermines American sovereignty. He cited reports of tensions between President Donald Trump and Netanyahu regarding Israel’s escalation in Lebanon, stating that Americans want less cooperation and blank checks to Israel. Khanna insisted that any aid or weapons sales should require a full congressional vote rather than being embedded in must-pass legislation.
Supporters of the measure, including top Democrat Adam Smith, defended the integration by citing benefits to US defence technology derived from Israel’s combat experience. Smith acknowledged his frustration with Netanyahu’s leadership but argued that Israel’s experience with drone and missile attacks has generated technologies that benefit the United States. He noted that these partnerships are valuable because Israel has been actively engaged in conflict, unlike many other NATO allies.
Palestinian rights advocates and other critics warned against approving the measure, characterising Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide. Margaret DeReus of the Institute for Middle East Understanding (IMEU) described the provision as an unfathomable response to a country accused of carrying out genocide and starting wars in Iran and Lebanon. Meanwhile, Netanyahu has written to Republican Congressman Marlin Stutzman endorsing a transition of US aid from direct assistance to military cooperation, stating Israel wishes to move from aid recipient to partner.
Republican Congressman Thomas Massie has promised to introduce a separate amendment to revoke Section 224 when the NDAA proceeds to a full House vote. The defeat of Khanna’s amendment highlights the political difficulty of curbing military ties with Israel, even as public opinion polls indicate a rapid decline in American support for the country.
