US Moves to Lock In Israel Aid, Bypassing Future Congressional Review

A new legislative push by Senator Tom Cotton and other pro-Israel lawmakers is aiming to permanently embed US military aid to Israel within the Pentagon budget, effectively shielding billions in future assistance from regular congressional review. This move comes at a crucial time, with the current $38 billion, 10-year military aid agreement set to expire in 2028, and it marks a significant shift in how American foreign policy towards Israel could be managed going forward. Critics warn that this strategy weakens democratic oversight and removes the public's voice from a vital foreign policy commitment. The timing is no accident: American public opinion on unconditional aid to Israel has soured significantly after the war in Gaza, with recent polls showing nearly half of Americans believe the US supports Israel 'too much'. Instead of debating future aid on its merits, proponents are seeking to move funding from transparent Foreign Military Financing grants, overseen by the State Department, into less visible Pentagon procurement channels, rebranding it as an investment in US readiness rather than foreign assistance. This strategy also aligns with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated desire for Israel to transition from an 'aid recipient' to a 'partner' that funds its own weapon purchases, while still benefiting from deeper US defense integration. Lawmakers are trying to insert these changes into major bills like the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act and intelligence authorization legislation, potentially cementing these shifts without broad public discussion. Watch for ongoing debates in Congress, as opponents will likely challenge these amendments, arguing they undermine constitutional checks and balances and prevent proper accountability for how US-supplied weapons are used globally. The outcome will shape not only US-Israel relations but also the future of congressional power in foreign policy.