12 US Senators Oppose Expanding Defense Cooperation with Israel

In depth

Twelve US senators, including Bernie Sanders, have urged congressional leadership to remove three sections from the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act that expand defense and intelligence cooperation with Israel. The letter, sent to the leaders of both chambers of Congress, states that the sections give Israel influence over American weapons systems. The senators argue that the proposed agreements could create dependence on Israeli technology and harm US security.

According to the senators, the proposed agreements would restrict the US in making independent decisions about its weapons. They warn that the sections could give Israel veto power over the use of American weapons. In their view, the proposed expansion could harm the country's security.

The demand to remove the sections is being raised during the legislative process of the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act. Details on how the demand will be handled have not yet been made clear.