Two US lawmakers are pushing to repeal a provision in the upcoming defense budget that would further tighten cooperation between the US and Israeli militaries. This effort comes as the latest draft of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) has sparked backlash.
The provision, known as Section 224, would require the US Secretary of Defense to appoint an “executive agent” to oversee joint initiatives, including research, development, testing, evaluation, integration, and defense industrial cooperation between the two countries.
On June 8, Democratic Representative Ro Khanna announced he would introduce an amendment to remove Section 224 from the bill immediately in the House Armed Services Committee. Republican colleague Thomas Massie also warned he would oppose the entire bill if the provision remained, arguing it threatens US sovereignty. “We are a sovereign nation,” Massie wrote on social media platform X.
In response, Khanna pledged to stand alongside Massie in this fight, while criticizing President Donald Trump for attacking Massie, contributing to his defeat in the May primary election. “Trump cannot kill the Massie/Khanna alliance no matter how many Truth Social posts he makes,” Khanna wrote.
Massie, a libertarian, and Khanna, a progressive, have formed an unlikely alliance to push for anti-war measures and oversight of US-Israel policy. Previously, they led a campaign to release files related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The annual US defense budget often includes many pro-Israel provisions, but this technology integration clause comes amid growing skepticism toward Washington’s unconditional support for Tel Aviv, particularly following Israel’s military campaign in Gaza since 2023, which has left over 75,000 dead.
Critics worry the move could make US military aid to Israel less transparent, disguising it as cooperation rather than a separate expenditure. They also point out that the provision risks tying the US military closely to Israeli technology at a time when the American public is rapidly turning against Israel.
A May poll by The New York Times and Siena College found that 57% of US voters oppose further economic and military aid to Israel. Another 62% said they disapproved of Israel’s handling of the Palestinian conflict.
However, some US lawmakers view questioning the relationship with Israel as taboo. Republican Representative Derrick Van Orden accused Massie of being anti-Semitic for opposing Section 224, arguing the deal would give the US access to advanced Israeli technologies. Massie retorted by recalling Israel’s 2024 pager explosion targeting Hezbollah, which killed and injured hundreds, including children: “Does this deal qualify for us to get those advanced pagers?”
This year’s $1.15 trillion NDAA includes several other proposals to bolster support for Israel, including a dedicated section titled “Israel-Related Matters,” which calls for cooperation with the Israeli military on tunnel defense and drone countermeasures.
