House passes $900 billion defense bill with ‘critical pro-Israel provisions’

The bill includes $80 million for a joint American and Israeli anti-tunneling program.

By JNS

The U.S. House of Representatives voted 312-112 on Wednesday night to pass the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, with 18 Republicans and 94 Democrats voting against it.

The bill, which is now bound for the Senate and which authorizes more than $900 billion, includes “critical pro-Israel provisions,” according to AIPAC.

“The bill critically prioritizes U.S.-Israeli defense cooperation to further enable both nations to counter missile, drone, and emerging high-tech threats,” the pro-Israel group said.

“Importantly, the bipartisan defense measure authorizes $500 million in fiscal year 2026 for U.S.-Israel missile defense cooperation.”

“This includes funds for Israeli procurement of Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow and for bilateral research, development, testing, and evaluation,” AIPAC said.

The bill includes $80 million for a joint American and Israeli anti-tunneling program, $35 million for the two nations to work together on areas like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity and an increase in authorization on funding to counter drones by $15 million—to $70 million—AIPAC said.

It also raises the prospect of Israel entering the National Technology and Industrial Base, states that the Pentagon should skip global defense events that boycott Israel, and directs the defense secretary, secretary of state, and national intelligence director to “continually assess the impact of international arms embargoes on Israel,” AIPAC added.

“Funding our military, ensuring our warfighters are ready to win against any adversary and taking care of our service members are some of Congress’s core duties,” stated Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas). “This year’s NDAA accomplishes those goals and delivers on the president’s peace through strength agenda.”