Bipartisan opposition emerges over US plan to strengthen Israels military ties

Two U.S. lawmakers, Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Thomas Massie (R-KY), have announced plans to propose amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The proposed changes aim to remove a section that would deepen integration between the U.S. and Israeli militaries.

Section 224 of the NDAA bill would appoint an “executive agent” to oversee joint technological development and coordination between the two countries. Khanna plans to introduce an amendment to remove this provision from the bill, while Massie has stated he will oppose it if it is approved by the House Armed Services Committee.

Massie framed his opposition as a matter of U.S. independence from foreign governments. Khanna responded by pledging support for Massie and criticizing Republican President Donald Trump for attacking him earlier in the month.

The proposed changes come amid growing scrutiny of U.S.-Israel relations, particularly with regards to technology and military aid. Critics have expressed concerns that deeper integration between the two militaries could make U.S. military aid to Israel less transparent and tie the U.S. military more closely to its Israeli counterpart.

Recent public opinion polls have shown a significant decline in support for providing additional economic and military aid to Israel, with 57% of U.S. voters opposing such aid according to a survey by The New York Times and Siena College. The issue has also sparked debate over the role of technology in U.S.-Israel relations, particularly given Israel’s increasing reliance on artificial intelligence.

The NDAA bill is set to be considered by the House Armed Services Committee this week.

Source: Al Jazeera