US senators push to block expanded military and intelligence cooperation with Israel

Twelve US senators have called on their colleagues to vote against provisions in the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that expand defense technology cooperation and intelligence sharing between the US and Israel.

The senators sent a letter to congressional leadership calling for the removal of the provisions, saying that the ties would “threaten US national security interests by handing Israel leverage over American weapons systems and military technology.”

The senators include Chris Van Hollen, Elizabeth Warren, and more moderate Democrats such as Brian Schatz

The letter comes from a group of 11 Democratic senators and Bernie Sanders. Despite the pressure placed on Democratic leadership in the Senate, it's unlikely that the provisions will be removed, as the bill must be passed before the end of the year.

Democrats will not gain control of Congress until January, when victors from the midterms are sworn in.

The senators didn't reject cooperation with Israel outright, but cautioned thatit 'would be unwise' to strengthen relations with Israel while the conflict in Gaza is ongoing.