Bipartisan lawmakers unite to expand Israel’s defense power, blocking international attempts to sideline or weaken it.
In a sweeping bipartisan show of strength, the US House of Representatives advanced the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the coming fiscal year, approving nearly $900 billion in defense funding and sending the legislation to the Senate for final passage. The vote—an overwhelming 312–112 majority—underscored rare unity among Democrats and Republicans on America’s core security priorities.
At the heart of the bill lies a powerful reaffirmation of the US–Israel strategic alliance. The NDAA allocates $500 million for missile-defense cooperation in 2026, enabling Israel to further strengthen the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow systems—capabilities essential for defending Israeli civilians from terror rockets launched by Iran-backed groups in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and beyond.
The legislation goes even further:
– $80 million for US-Israel anti-tunnel operations, countering the subterranean terror tactics used by Hamas and other Palestinian militant factions.
– $35 million toward breakthrough cooperation on AI, cyber defense, quantum, robotics, and directed energy—ensuring Israel stays ahead of hostile regional powers.
– Expanded counter-drone authorization to $70 million, crucial as Iranian proxies escalate UAV attacks across the region.
Another landmark provision convenes a US-Israel Defense Industrial Base Working Group to explore deeper integration and potential Israeli entry into the elite National Technology and Industrial Base (NTIB)—a strategic step that would solidify Israel as a premier defense-technology partner on par with America’s closest allies.
In a direct rebuke to international attempts to isolate Israeli defense firms, Congress also declared that the US Defense Department must boycott any global defense exhibitions that block or restrict Israeli participation. This sends a clear message: Washington will not tolerate forums that capitulate to anti-Israel pressure.
The NDAA further instructs US defense and intelligence officials to continually assess any international arms-embargo activity targeting Israel, ensuring no foreign body can covertly undermine Israel’s qualitative military edge.
Pro-Israel leaders applauded the vote. AIPAC celebrated Congress for “critically prioritizing US-Israeli defense cooperation to counter missile, drone, and high-tech threats,” praising both Democratic and Republican leadership for advancing provisions that safeguard Israel’s security at a time of mounting regional danger.
Beyond Israel, the bill pressures the Pentagon to release footage of anti-narcotics strikes in the Caribbean, repeals outdated Iraq war authorizations, addresses sanctions on Syria, restricts troop drawdowns in Europe, and includes measures supporting international efforts to rescue Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.
But the unmistakable headline is clear: America has doubled down on its alliance with Israel, reinforcing its military supremacy while pushing back against hostile regional actors and anti-Israel diplomatic maneuvering.
