AIPAC commends the U.S. Senate for including critical pro-Israel provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024. The importance of these provisions is underscored by Israel’s current fight to remove the Hamas terrorist enemy from Gaza.
Importantly, the bipartisan defense measure authorizes $500 million in FY 2024 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.
Other key provisions include:
- Authorizes $47.5 million for new U.S.-Israel cooperation on emerging defense technologies, including directed energy, AI, cybersecurity and quantum.
- Increases authorization of the U.S.-Israel Counter-UAS cooperative program to $55 million per year (a $15 million increase from $40 million).
- Provides a two-year extension of the U.S.-Israel Anti-Tunneling Cooperation Program through 2026.
- Extends the authority for the Department of Defense (DoD) to transfer weapons systems to Israel under the War Reserves Stockpile Authority-Israel (WRSA-I) through January 2027. Also, extends the authority for DoD to transfer precision-guided munitions (PGMs) to Israel.
- Requires the DoD to consider deploying U.S. KC-46 refueling tanker aircraft to Israel and consult with Israel on the potential for rotational deployments of the U.S. KC-46 aircraft in Israel.
- Directs DoD to develop a strategy for improved integrated maritime domain awareness and interdiction capabilities to counter seaborne threats against Israel.
- Establishes a presidential envoy for the Abraham Accords, Negev Forum, and related integration and normalization agreements.
In adopting these important provisions, we appreciate the leadership of Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Jack Reed (D-RI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Representatives Mike Johnson (R-LA), Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Steve Scalise (R-LA), Mike Rogers (R-MI) and Adam Smith (D-WA).
AIPAC urges the House to quickly adopt the NDAA.
