US Senators Oppose Deepening Security Ties With Israel

A group of 12 U.S. senators has voiced opposition to expanding security cooperation with Israel, urging Congress to remove three provisions from the 2027 defense bill. In a letter to congressional leadership, the senators, including Bernie Sanders, argue that deepening technological and intelligence collaboration could harm U.S. security interests and grant Israel excessive influence over American military technology and weapon systems. The senators stated that the provisions would "further entrench troubling aspects of U.S.-Israel security and intelligence relations, at a time when the actions of the Israeli government are increasingly undermining U.S. interests and values."

One contentious section concerns establishing a framework for joint development and production of military systems in areas like artificial intelligence, cyber, autonomous systems, and other advanced technologies. The senators contend this could create U.S. dependence on Israeli technology and hinder future policy changes. They cited the cooperation on Iron Dome production, noting that Prime Minister Netanyahu previously blocked the transfer of U.S.-made Iron Dome batteries to Ukraine. The senators also criticized the Israeli government's policies and Netanyahu's involvement in the conflict with Iran, calling the war a "strategic disaster for the United States and one that is contrary to American interests."

Another provision opposed by the senators relates to expanding intelligence sharing, which they believe could limit the U.S. administration's ability to curtail or cease cooperation based on American security considerations. The senators are seeking the removal of clauses on joint technological development, production, and expanded intelligence sharing. However, their letter does not call for severing security relations or halting U.S. aid, but rather focuses on preventing the legislative codification of expanded cooperation.