House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers approved Section 224 of the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, which would integrate U.S. and Israeli militaries. The provision was rejected by committee Republicans’ amendment from California Representative Ro Khanna.
Outgoing Republican Representative Thomas Massie has pledged to offer a floor amendment to remove Section 224.
Section 224 would “expand and accelerate bilateral defense technology research, development, testing, evaluation, integration, and industrial cooperation” between the United States and Israel. This includes identifying technologies for U.S. systems, collaborative research initiatives involving government and private sector entities, and joint ventures with Israeli industry.
Experts warn that Section 224 could lead to U.S. military data being shared with Israel, potentially enabling Israeli intelligence to sell American secrets to China, Russia, and other nations. Ben Freeman of Responsible Statecraft stated the provision would “lay the groundwork for bilateral research and development, co-production of weapons, joint ventures,” and expand coordination in AI, quantum computing, autonomous systems, directed energy, cyber, biotech, and data fusion.
Former U.S. counterterrorism director Joe Kent warned that granting Israel access to sensitive technologies could enable backdoors and spyware designed to influence U.S. policy. He also noted the risk of empowering the Israel Lobby through job creation in America.
The measure has been criticized for its potential to facilitate theft of American secrets, referencing Jonathan Pollard—a Navy intelligence analyst convicted of passing classified information to Israel—and noting that Israel previously shared stolen U.S. secrets with the Soviet Union.
Ro Khanna opposed Section 224, stating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should not dictate U.S. defense policy and criticizing Donald Trump for his support of the measure. Massie stated he would offer a floor amendment to remove Section 224 as well.
The Israel-first Republicans who approved Section 224 claim it merely codifies “existing initiatives” but acknowledge the bill designates a single official responsible for oversight—raising questions about monitoring Israel’s compliance with U.S. security standards.
