A new poll shows widespread opposition among American voters to a congressional proposal that would increase U.S.-Israel military cooperation and integrate Israeli defense companies into the Pentagon.
| PULSE POINTS |
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: Most Americans oppose military integration between the United States and Israel, according to a new poll. 📺 DETAIL: According to a poll conducted by Data for Progress, a left-leaning think-tank, 61 percent of likely U.S. voters oppose Section 219, the provision in the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would deepen U.S.-Israel military cooperation and integrate Israeli weapons companies into the Pentagon. This includes 78 percent of Democrats and 73 percent of Independents. When not provided surrounding context regarding the NDAA, 62 percent of Republicans oppose granting special access to any foreign military. The poll also revealed that 57 percent of Americans oppose increased Pentagon access for Israeli defense companies. Furthermore, 51 percent of respondents believed that Israel benefits more from the U.S.-Israel relationship. In contrast, only 12 percent of Americans believe that the U.S. benefits more from the relationship. Specifically, Section 219 would establish a U.S.-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative to carry out joint research and assist in the development of missile defense, artificial intelligence (AI), counter-drone systems, and other areas. The survey polled 1,217 likely U.S. voters between August 3 and August 7. 💬 KEY QUOTE: “This poll is a flashing red warning sign for any member of Congress who supports the defense authorization bill… A clear majority of voters do not support further integrating the Israeli military and Israeli military companies into the Pentagon, which the NDAA is set to do,” said Cavan Kharrazian, Senior Policy Adviser at Demand Progress. 🎯 IMPACT: The findings of this poll suggest that Americans are wary about increased military integration with Israel, which is already heavily reliant on the U.S. This sentiment was echoed by Vice President JD Vance back in June, who warned Israeli officials critcizing the Trump administration: “Two-thirds of the defensive weapons that have protected [Israel] have been built by American hands and paid for by American tax dollars… wake up and smell the reality of the situation that country is in.” |
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