Last Updated on July 11, 2025
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is set to introduce an amendment stripping $500 million in military aid for nuclear-armed Israel from the 2026 NDAA, finally calling out Israel’s undeclared nukes in Congress.
Why it matters: This rare congressional nod to Israel’s nuclear arsenal challenges decades of U.S. ambiguity, potentially saving American taxpayers millions while questioning why we’re bankrolling a nuclear power’s defense amid our own domestic needs.
Driving the news: Greene announced her plan on Steve Bannon’s “War Room” podcast, highlighting Israel’s existing $3.8 billion annual U.S. aid and arguing it doesn’t need more from the Pentagon, as reported by Antiwar.com.
- She stressed: “Nuclear-armed Israel doesn’t need $500 million more from the American people.”
- Greene also targets aid to Taiwan and Jordan, aiming to cut unnecessary foreign spending.
- The move comes as the U.S. has poured billions extra into Israel since October 7, 2023, funding 70% of its war costs, according to Israeli media.
Catch up quick: Under a 2016 Obama-era deal, the U.S. commits $38 billion to Israel over 10 years, including $5 billion for missile defense—$500 million annually through the Pentagon, as outlined in the memorandum of understanding. Israel, estimated to have 90-300 nukes, avoids NPT signing, with U.S. policy ignoring this to keep aid flowing. Post-October 7, emergency U.S. funds have ballooned, covering most of Israel’s military outlays.
The intrigue: Greene’s blunt “nuclear-armed Israel” phrasing breaks the taboo in Congress, where lawmakers rarely acknowledge Israel’s arsenal to dodge legal hurdles like the Symington Amendment, which bans aid to nuclear proliferators outside safeguards, detailed by the Israel Lobby.
Between the lines: By exposing this, Greene spotlights how U.S. ambiguity lets billions flow unchecked, prioritizing foreign allies over American borders and budgets—echoing America First frustrations with endless overseas commitments.
What they’re saying:
- “I’m entering amendments to strike $500 million more for nuclear-armed Israel… They don’t need another $500 million in our defense budget. That’s for the American people’s defense,” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene told Steve Bannon on “War Room.”
- “Nuclear-armed Israel, I think it’s really important to phrase it that way,” Greene emphasized, underscoring the need to confront Israel’s capabilities.
The bottom line: Greene’s amendments could spark a real debate on U.S. foreign aid waste, but with bipartisan Israel support entrenched, expect fierce pushback—yet it’s a win for taxpayers tired of funding nuclear powers abroad.
