Netanyahu says US-Israel defence ties are about to change. Here's what's in the plan

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the United States and Israel are preparing to significantly expand their defence technology cooperation, following the introduction of a provision in the proposed 2027 US National Defense Authorisation Act (NDAA).

Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu said the two countries were moving towards a closer partnership in defence innovation and technology.

"The time has now arrived for us to move from aid recipient to partner," Netanyahu said. "We are beginning preparations to align our defence frameworks for the threats of the future."

The remarks come after the proposed inclusion of Section 224, known as the United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative, in the 2027 NDAA.

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What does the proposal include?

The proposal aims to expand cooperation between the US and Israel in areas such as defence technology, artificial intelligence and military research.

According to the draft legislation, the initiative would encourage closer collaboration on advanced technologies, including AI-enabled defence systems, autonomous platforms, quantum computing and next-generation drones.

It also seeks to strengthen operational coordination by improving the sharing of military data and expanding joint research and production programmes.

The proposal does not call for a unified military command or the integration of US and Israeli armed forces. Instead, it focuses on enhancing cooperation between the two countries' defence industries and technological capabilities.

Supporters argue that the move reflects an already close security relationship between Washington and Jerusalem and would help both countries respond to emerging security threats.

Proposal faces political opposition

The initiative has also drawn criticism from some US lawmakers.

Representative Ro Khanna introduced an amendment seeking to remove Section 224 from the defence bill, arguing that the measure could give Israel excessive influence over US defence policy.

"Everyone in America — whether you're a Republican, an independent, or a Democrat — says that we need to tell Netanyahu that America calls the shots," Khanna said after his amendment was rejected during a voice vote.

"They want less cooperation and blank checks to Israel, not more," he added.

Supporters of the proposal, however, say integrating defence technology programmes would improve efficiency and build on years of military cooperation between the two allies.

The proposed defence cooperation initiative remains part of the draft 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, which still requires approval by both the US House of Representatives and the Senate before it can become law.