NDAA Section 219 Expands US-Israel Defense Ties, Not a Merger

AOC claimed the House-passed NDAA would merge parts of the U.S. military with the Israel Defense Forces, but Republicans and Trump officials say the provision simply expands defense cooperation—on technology, supply chains, AI, cybersecurity and joint exercises—without merging militaries. The House voted 219-206 to pass the NDAA with Section 219 intact. Some critics, including Rep. Thomas Massie, urged removing the section, while lawmakers like Rep. Ro Khanna argued against blocking debate. Zeldin and Lawler dismissed the merger claim, framing the measure as strengthening U.S.-Israel defense collaboration.