East Central Alabama News

The fiscal year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), an annual defense bill currently being shaped by Congress, is set to provide Israel with substantial security aid in the coming year. This includes ensuring that the Biden administration supplies Israel with necessary resources to counter threats from Iran-backed terror groups operating on its borders.

This development occurs amid heightened tensions in U.S.-Israel relations, as the Biden administration has threatened to halt the delivery of American arms to Israel to prevent a full-scale military incursion into Rafah in the Gaza Strip. Some munitions shipments have already been paused, prompting widespread GOP outrage. Discussions around this year's NDAA underscore Israel's security as a priority.

The draft budget, which passed the House Armed Services Committee last week with bipartisan support, aims to bolster Israeli missile defense systems such as the Iron Dome. This comes at a time when Israel is facing rocket attacks from Hamas and missile strikes from Hezbollah in Lebanon, alongside increasing aggression from Iran. The House budget bill seeks to reverse an effort by the Biden administration to halt missile production crucial for defending against Iranian ballistic missile attacks.

Rep. Mike Rogers (R., Ala.), chair of the House Armed Services Committee, emphasized that the House NDAA will ensure continued production of a ship-based surface-to-air missile used earlier this year to defend against an unprecedented Iranian attack on Israeli territory.

"Israel has the right to defend itself from Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah," Rogers told the Washington Free Beacon. "The FY25 NDAA makes it clear that the U.S. stands with Israel by investing in U.S.-Israel cooperation and joint exercises. Additionally, the FY25 NDAA fully funds critical missile defense programs like Iron Dome, Arrow, and David’s Sling that benefit both the U.S. and Israel."

"Our support for Israel is ironclad," Rogers added.

An additional $30 million above the White House’s initial request was allocated to the U.S.-Israel Anti-Tunnel Cooperation Program—a joint project aimed at dismantling Hamas' network of tunnels throughout Gaza and parts of Israel. These tunnels were used during Hamas' October 7 terror attack and continue to be employed for transporting hostages.

Furthermore, full American funding is granted for joint American-Israeli missile defense programs such as David’s Sling and Iron Dome under this draft budget. These systems have been pivotal in intercepting missiles before they reach civilian areas.

Joint U.S.-Israel training programs are also slated for funding under this draft budget. This includes a mandate for U.S. Central Command "to engage in joint anti-tunneling exercises with Israel Defense Forces," according to information provided by the House Armed Services Committee.

Read more here.

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