A group of 12 Democratic senators are lobbying against expanded defence cooperation between the US and Israel, citing concerns that Israel's policies, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank, contradict US interests. The senators, led by Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, argue that the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act would entrench problematic aspects of the US-Israel defence relationship. They claim this would undermine US national security interests and values.
The senators express concern about a section of the defence bill that would require the US secretary of defence to designate an executive agent to synchronise cooperative efforts between the two countries. They argue this would constrain the administration's ability to act independently and give Israel leverage over US weapons systems and military technology. The bill could create long-term dependencies by integrating Israeli technology into the US defence industrial base.
The letter, signed by Senators Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, and Independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, among others, urges congressional leadership to reconsider the provisions. Senator Van Hollen has emerged as a fierce critic of Israel in Congress, recently calling for an end to US military aid to Israel. His name has been mentioned as a possible challenger to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
The senators' letter comes after President Joe Biden's administration announced plans to review US military aid to Israel. A memorandum of understanding between the two countries commits to $3.8 billion in annual aid until 2028. However, some US critics argue that this aid supports Israel's policies that contradict US interests and values. The Democratic senators warn that integrating the two countries' defence establishments would be unwise.
The senators argue that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has openly stated that deeper defence cooperation with the US was his idea. They claim this initiative aims to shift US security assistance from traditional pathways to more opaque avenues, increasing Israel's leverage over the US and dependency on Israeli technology. The senators advocate for a more transparent approach to US-Israel defence cooperation.
J Street, a liberal Jewish Middle East advocacy group, has expressed support for Senator Van Hollen's letter. The group argues that there should be no deepening of the US-Israel military relationship unless Israel complies with the Gaza peace agreement, ends settler violence, and reverses its de facto annexation of the West Bank. J Street has called for a fundamental reset of US policy in the Middle East.
The controversy surrounding US-Israel defence cooperation reflects growing tensions between the two countries over Israel's policies in the region. The Democratic senators' letter highlights concerns about the implications of deeper defence cooperation for US national security interests and values. The issue is likely to remain a point of contention in US-Israel relations.
Key points
- The senators argue that expanded defence cooperation with Israel would undermine US national security interests and values.
- The 2027 National Defense Authorization Act would require the US secretary of defence to synchronise cooperative efforts with Israel.
- The controversy reflects growing tensions between the US and Israel over Israel's policies in the region.
