US Quietly Pushes Bill to Hand Over More Secrets to Israel as War Divides Allies

Section 622 of the bill, titled “United States-Israel Intelligence Sharing Enhancement,” orders the president to “expand and enhance intelligence sharing with the Government of Israel” across nearly every national security topic. The proposal lacks clear limits or safeguards, raising concerns that it could expose sensitive U.S. sources and methods [170498].

The push for closer intelligence ties comes at a moment of deepening division between the two allies. U.S. President Donald Trump wants an exit from the war, which is disrupting oil markets and growing unpopular at home. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces elections by the end of October and an ongoing criminal investigation, making his political survival the driving force behind his decisions [170083]. A new documentary, “Planet Israel,” argues Netanyahu is prolonging the war to avoid corruption probes, and that he needs far-right allies to stay in power and indefinitely delay legal scrutiny [165113].

Netanyahu has also unveiled a new foreign policy plan called a “hexagon of alliances,” a network of six nations united against what he calls “radical axes.” Experts warn this “us versus them” strategy risks pushing other nations into opposing camps and deepening global divisions [169001].

Meanwhile, the U.S. and Iran have begun indirect negotiations in Oman, widely seen as a final effort to prevent a major regional war. The talks aim to establish basic rules of military engagement to stop sudden attacks from escalating. Analysts say the success or failure of these talks could decide the stability of the entire Middle East [81450].