Senate Intelligence Bill Includes Provision on U.S.-Israel Intelligence Sharing

Section 622 of the intelligence authorization bill directs the president, acting through the director of national intelligence and as necessary the secretary of defense, to expand and enhance intelligence sharing with the Government of Israel. The section lists subjects that include almost every topic of intelligence interest in the Middle East.

The provision states that any suspension, reduction, or limitation of such sharing must be based on a specific and identifiable national security concern determined by the President. Any such exception requires a report to Congress within fifteen days detailing the reason for the change, the categories of information involved, and an assessment of the anticipated impact on regional security.

The bill was introduced by the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee. The United States has provided more than $300 billion in economic and military assistance to Israel.

The provision appears in a 192-page bill. The section is titled “United States-Israel Intelligence Sharing Enhancement.”