Rights groups press lawmakers to scrap provision to merge US and Israeli militaries

A coalition of 56 civil rights and advocacy organizations has urged lawmakers to remove a provision from the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that seeks to merge the United States and Israeli militaries, according to a letter obtained by Reuters. The controversial Section 219 of the 2027 NDAA aims to establish frameworks for joint ventures, licensing agreements, and US-based co-production partnerships between the two militaries. This measure passed the House of Representatives in July and is currently awaiting Senate approval.

The letter, signed by prominent groups such as Amnesty International, the National Lawyers Guild, and Arab and Jewish organizations, argues that creating new points of influence for Israel in the US defense-technology ecosystem is dangerous, especially as American interests diverge from those of Israel and public opinion turns against unconditional support for Israel.

The letter condemns Israel for its genocide in Gaza and settler violence in the occupied West Bank, citing violations of international humanitarian law. It insists that these developments should prevent any discussion of military ties.

As the US foreign military aid to Israel, which is nearing its expiry in 2028, is set to be renegotiated, some lawmakers have sought to eliminate Section 219 from the fiscal 2027 NDAA. The provision, which was introduced by Texas Republican Representative Ronny Jackson, would transform Israel from a recipient of foreign aid to a full-scale partner, effectively barring future presidents from withdrawing from the arrangement.