Netanyahu says US-Israel defence ties to deepen

On July 13, 2026, Officials said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced preparations to deepen US‑Israel defence cooperation, identifying artificial intelligence, defence technology and military research as priority areas under a proposed US defence bill.

Proposed US defence bill

Officials said the change is being framed as a response to rapid advances in military AI and dual‑use systems; embedding cooperation in legislation would lower transactional friction for funding, export licenses and joint testing. That approach could speed procurement cycles for both militaries but also raise questions about oversight, export controls and safeguards on sensitive platforms.

Officials said regional governments and congressional committees may scrutinise transfer rules and end‑use guarantees, adding political risk to timing and scope. The move could benefit defence contractors positioned in US‑Israel partnerships while increasing scrutiny on how emerging AI systems are regulated in coalition settings.

Officials said a formal draft of the bill is expected by July 31, 2026, after which congressional review and committee hearings would set the legislative calendar and reveal how far the cooperation will extend.

Officials said the plan would embed expanded joint research, shared procurement frameworks and closer industrial collaboration into the bill, without releasing a full text. The announcement signals a shift from ad hoc projects to a formal legislative vehicle meant to lock in technology sharing and long‑term funding lines.