US Congress Considers Phasing Out Military Aid to Israel for Closer Security Tech Partnership

The US Congress is debating a gradual end to the annual $3.8 billion military financial aid to Israel, currently set to expire in 2028. Instead of direct funding, lawmakers propose establishing a legally binding strategic partnership focused on joint development and deployment of defense technologies. This initiative includes creating a dedicated office within the Department of Defense to oversee the development, testing, and deployment of shared weapons and technologies, alongside expanded intelligence sharing between the two countries, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The proposal has backing from former President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but faces increasing opposition from both left and right factions in Congress against direct military funding. Polls reveal a generational divide among Republican voters, with 63% of those aged 18 to 44 opposing further aid, while 72% of those over 45 support it. Nearly half of House Democrats supported an amendment last month aimed at ending the aid.

Supporters, including Senator Ted Budd and Representatives Ronny Jackson and Don Davis, argue the shift would create an equal strategic partnership allowing the US to benefit from Israeli innovation without committing to fixed annual budget approvals for Israel. Opponents warn the move could compel the US into joint operations and grant Israel control over American weapons production and deployment. A senior US official described this as "a betrayal of American sovereignty," though proponents reject these criticisms, emphasizing the proposal would not restrict the US military or fully integrate the two armed forces.