Trending Now - US Congress Advances Plan for Closer Us-israel Military Ties

WHO:

Al Jazeera - Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna and Republican Congressman Thomas Massie are opposing a section in the upcoming defense budget.

Al Jazeera - Congressman Derrick Van Orden criticized Massie for his stance against Section 224.

WHAT:

Al Jazeera - The House's 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes a provision, Section 224, aimed at boosting military ties between the US and Israel.

Al Jazeera - Section 224 would require the Secretary of Defense to designate an executive agent responsible for synchronizing cooperative efforts between the US and Israel.

Al Jazeera - A survey from The New York Times and Siena College found that 57 percent of US voters opposed providing Israel with additional economic and military support.

Al Jazeera - The same survey indicated that 62 percent of respondents disapproved of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Al Jazeera - The ongoing conflict in Gaza, which started in 2023, has resulted in the deaths of more than 75,000 people.

WHERE:

Al Jazeera - The discussions and actions are taking place within the United States Congress.

WHEN:

Al Jazeera - The 2027 NDAA is currently under consideration.

WHY:

Al Jazeera - Khanna and Massie are motivated by concerns over US independence from foreign governments and the transparency of military aid to Israel.

Al Jazeera - Critics argue that Section 224 may make US military aid to Israel less transparent by framing it as cooperation rather than a separate expense.

HOW:

Al Jazeera - Khanna plans to use his position on the House Armed Services Committee to propose an amendment to remove Section 224 from the NDAA.

Al Jazeera - Massie indicated he would oppose the bill on the House floor if it is approved by the committee.

(UPDATED June 1, 2026 18:55 UTC)

Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna and Republican Congressman Thomas Massie are opposing a section in the upcoming defense budget, specifically Section 224 of the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, which aims to strengthen military ties between the US and Israel. Congressman Derrick Van Orden has criticized Massie for his stance, while a recent survey shows that 57 percent of US voters oppose providing additional economic and military support to Israel, with 62 percent disapproving of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Khanna intends to propose an amendment to remove Section 224 from the NDAA, and Massie has stated he will oppose the bill on the House floor if it passes the committee.