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The pitfalls of institutionalising US military aid to Israel

Al Jazeera – News

2h ago

The pitfalls of institutionalising US military aid to Israel

Summary

US Senator Tom Cotton and pro-Israel allies are pursuing problematic legislation that has largely gone under the radar of most mainstream media. Instead, Senate Republicans are building a legislative architecture that could preclude any change in policy. If these bills are passed with the amendments proposed by Cotton and his allies, foreign policy flexibility would give way to statutory permanence. Within Congress, lawmakers who once treated military assistance as politically untouchable increasingly advocate conditions, restrictions or reductions. Congressional authority over appropriations exists to ensure that foreign policy remains accountable to elected representatives. Institutionalising support before demographic and electoral change reshapes Congress has become critical. A policy that requires institutional protection from democratic review implicitly acknowledges that public consent can no longer be assumed. The power of the purse is among Congress’s oldest constitutional responsibilities. The question before Congress therefore reaches beyond Israel. The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial policy.

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Shielding US commitments to Israel from congressional scrutiny would be harmful for both countries.

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The pitfalls of institutionalising US military aid to Israel

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