United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025
United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would strengthen military and defense technology cooperation between the United States and Israel. If passed, it would require the Department of Defense to establish a joint program with Israel to develop technology for countering unmanned systems (like drones) that pose threats to both countries. The bill would also set up an office in Israel for the Defense Innovation Unit, a U.S. military organization that works to rapidly adopt new commercial technology. Additionally, it would direct the Pentagon to explore bringing Israel into the "national technology and industrial base"—a formal partnership framework that currently includes the U.S., UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada for defense-related research and development. **Who It Affects and Current Status** This bill primarily affects the U.S.
Department of Defense and Israel's Ministry of Defense, as well as defense contractors and technology companies working with both nations. The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. It was introduced by Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) in the 119th Congress. If enacted, it would deepen the existing defense relationship between the two countries, particularly in emerging technology areas.
CRS Official Summary
United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025This bill requires or authorizes certain actions to increase defense-related cooperation between the United States and Israel.Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) toestablish a cooperative program, with the concurrence of Israel's Ministry of Defense (MOD), to develop and deploy advanced technologies for countering unmanned systems that threaten the United States and Israel;establish in Israel an office of the Defense Innovation Unit (an organization that focuses on rapidly fielding and scaling commercial technology across the U.S. military); andseek to engage Israel's MOD on the ascension of Israel into the national technology and industrial base (currently defined in law as the persons and organizations engaged in research, development, production, integration, services, or information technology activities conducted within the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada).The bill authorizes DOD, upon request of Israel's MOD, to jointly conduct research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics to meet defense challenges.Additionally, the bill extends the authority for DOD to (1) carry out RDT&E on a joint basis with Israel to establish anti-tunnel and counter unmanned aerial systems capabilities through 2028, and (2) transfer defense articles intended for use as reserve stocks for Israel through January 1, 2029.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.