Two U.S. lawmakers seek to remove Israel military integration provision from defense bill

Two members of Congress announced plans to remove a provision from the upcoming defense budget bill that would increase coordination between the U.S. and Israeli militaries. The measure, labeled Section 224 in the National Defense Authorization Act, would require the Secretary of Defense to designate an executive agent to manage joint technology research, development, testing, evaluation, integration, and industrial cooperation.

Amendment plans On Sunday, Democratic Representative Ro Khanna said he would offer an amendment in the House Armed Services Committee to strike the section. Republican Representative Thomas Massie stated that if the committee approves the bill, he would oppose the measure when it reaches the House floor.

Massie wrote on X that the United States is a sovereign country and should not tie its military systems to those of another government.

Additional provisions The $1.15 trillion defense bill contains other sections under the heading "Matters relating to Israel," including requirements for cooperation on anti-tunnel and anti-drone systems. Khanna and Massie have previously worked together on legislation to release government files related to Jeffrey Epstein.

A survey released this month by The New York Times and Siena College found that 57 percent of U.S. voters opposed additional economic and military support for Israel.