US-Israel defence integration plan heads for House vote despite opposition

A proposal to expand defence technology cooperation between the United States and Israel has advanced in the House of Representatives after surviving its first major challenge in Congress, setting up a wider debate over the future of bilateral military ties.

The measure, included in the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), was approved by the House Armed Services Committee after lawmakers rejected an amendment that sought to remove it from the bill.

The proposal is expected to face further scrutiny when it reaches the House floor.

If enacted, the initiative would create a formal framework for deeper collaboration between US and Israeli defence industries and research institutions. It would also require the Pentagon to appoint a senior official to oversee joint projects in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, autonomous systems, advanced manufacturing and counter-drone technology.

Supporters argue the measure builds on decades of military cooperation, including intelligence sharing, missile defence and joint weapons development, and would help both countries maintain technological advantages in evolving security environments.

Critics, however, say the proposal could significantly deepen integration between the two defence sectors. Representative Ro Khanna led opposition efforts, arguing that the US should not expand military commitments to Israel, though his amendment was defeated with bipartisan support.

The legislation still faces several hurdles before becoming law, including approval by the full House and Senate and reconciliation of any differences between the two chambers. Nevertheless, its committee approval marks an important step toward expanding US-Israel defence cooperation.