US defence bill commits hundreds of millions in taxpayer funds for Israel

Middle East Eye unpacked the provision's in the the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA), which is making its way through Congress before vote, potentially on Wednesday. 

This year's NDAA is packed with substantial US taxpayer funding for Israel, MEE reports.

The US is set to provide around $200m in funding for Israel's air defence systems including; the Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow systems. 

The Department of War is set to continue the US-Israel Anti-Tunnel Cooperation Program at a cost of $80m. 

Another $70m will go towards helping Israel counter drone attacks and other aerial "emerging threats".

For $35m, the US is establishing a new emerging-technology cooperative programme with Israel and G7 allies such as Canada, the UK Australia, and Japan to develop and test cutting-edge technologies, including AI, quantum, cybersecurity, robotics, and automation. 

The US also plans to fill any "gaps" left by countries like Spain and Canada curbing direct weapons sales to Israel because of its genocide in Gaza. The US will carry out an assessment of the arms embargoes, and ensure there are no "vulnerabilities in Israel’s security posture," according to one provision in the NDAA.