Understanding Section 219

Whatever its supporters say, the NDAA provision would massively expand defense ties between the U.S. and Israel. Two weeks ago, the House of Representatives passed its version of a National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2027. This “must-pass” legislation, which sets policy and authorizes annual funding for the military, is usually a relatively uncontroversial affair. This year’s NDAA process, however, has seen intense criticism directed at one particular part of the bill. This is Section 219, a provision intended to consolidate and expand the defense relationship between the United States and Israel. More specifically, it mandates the creation of a single executive agent tasked with “synchronizing cooperative efforts between the United States and Israel…