U.S. and Israel Explore Expanded Defense Cooperation

As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump meet in Washington to discuss regional security, a report urges expanded U.S.–Israel defense cooperation. The recommendation emphasizes making Israeli air-defense technology a key part of the Golden Dome, a planned missile defense system.

The Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA) report, “The Missing Shield: Acquiring Israeli Air Defenses Makes Golden Dome Sustainable,” advises shifting focus from space-based systems toward combating more immediate threats, like drones and cruise missiles. Current funding priorities favor long-term strategic capabilities, which could disadvantage short-range defenses against these threats.

Ari Cicurel, the report’s author, argues for balancing defenses against both long-range and immediate threats. The report stresses that current approaches overly prioritize space-based defenses while underestimating drone and other projectile threats. Recent drone activity over U.S. cities like Washington, D.C., illustrates the urgency.

JINSA’s analysis shows that Israeli-designed systems could significantly reduce costs. For instance, their launchers, interceptors, and radars are less expensive than U.S. equivalents, presenting opportunities to enhance stockpiles and preserve strategic funding.

“Golden Dome for America focuses on protecting the homeland, delivering on President Trump’s vision,” said a Pentagon official, highlighting the system’s layered defense approach against evolving threats.

The Congressional Budget Office has estimated potential costs for a missile-defense system in line with Trump’s order at around $1.2 trillion over 20 years. JINSA suggests integrating Israeli systems at various defense layers, recommending Iron Dome for short-range, David’s Sling for medium-range, Arrow for ballistic missiles, and Iron Beam for laser interception.

Cicurel emphasizes the value in leveraging U.S. investments in Israeli defense developments, noting extensive American participation in production. Despite speculation on acquiring systems like Iron Dome, the Pentagon hasn’t confirmed any decisions.

The report highlights vulnerabilities exposed by conflicts, such as rapid depletion of interceptors and targeted radar systems. Recommendations include dedicated short- and medium-range defense funding, joint production, and updating technology-sharing rules.

As Trump describes the Golden Dome as a crucial homeland-defense project, the integration of Israeli systems remains a topic for bilateral defense discussions during Netanyahu’s visit.