In its technological dynamism, Israel underlines the striving ingenuity of its small 10.2 million-strong population and Jewish culture. As a close Israeli ally, the United States should seek mutual advantage from this talent.It bears noting, then, that the House Armed Services Committee has introduced legislation under the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act that would require the Department of War to significantly expand technology cooperation with Israel. These efforts can be mutually beneficial to both nations. But only if they are siloed from the most advanced Pentagon research and development programs. Absent that siloing, the proposed cooperation will undermine U.S. national security and should be rejected by Congress.
Asked for comment on this specific concern, the House Armed Services Committee referred the Washington Examiner to a statement from Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL). That statement did not address China-related counterintelligence concerns.
To be clear, Democrats are wrong to oppose this proposal because of Israel’s wars against Hamas and Hezbollah. Their strategic interests may sometimes diverge, but Israel and the U.S. ultimately share common enemies in Iran and jihadist groups of many different stripes. The U.S.-Israel alliance and Israel’s proven track record of technology innovation make it a highly desirable partner for defense cooperation. Areas of particular U.S.-Israeli benefit for additional cooperation include offensive and defensive cyber capabilities, finding hiding enemies, penetrating terrorist networks, and developing more affordable, scalable weapons systems.
