US Congress Urged to Halt Deepened Military Ties with Israel

A coalition of 56 American organizations has called on the U.S. Congress to reject a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 that would deepen defense cooperation with Israel. The groups, including Amnesty International USA and the National Lawyers Guild, cited humanitarian concerns and shifting public opinion as reasons for their opposition. The provision, known as Section 219, aims to foster joint ventures, licensing agreements, and co-production partnerships with Israel's defense industry within the United States. The House of Representatives approved the measure in July, and it now awaits Senate consideration. Critics argue that closer integration with Israel's defense sector is a dangerous proposition, pointing to potential violations of international law in Gaza and rising violence in Judea and Samaria. They contend that U.S. and Israeli interests are diverging and that public support for Israel in America is declining. Israeli embassy officials in Washington have not yet provided an official comment. This call comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed a desire to transition the U.S.-Israel relationship from aid recipient to full partner.