New Legislation Aims to Condition U.S. Aid to Israel

On February 26, 2026, Representative Sean Casten (D-IL) and 25 Democratic co-sponsors introduced the Ceasefire Compliance Act, a legislative proposal that seeks to impose stringent conditions on U.S. military aid to Israel. The bill mandates that the U.S. administration assess and report to Congress every 90 days on Israel's compliance with the October 10, 2025, ceasefire agreement in Gaza. This includes halting military operations and bombing campaigns, without exceptions for retaliatory actions against Hamas.

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The Ceasefire Compliance Act stipulates that if Israel fails to meet the outlined conditions, the U.S. would be prohibited from selling or transferring military systems to Israel for use in Gaza or the West Bank. Additionally, any existing U.S.-origin systems in Israel would also be restricted from use in these territories until compliance is achieved. The bill establishes an end-use monitoring group to oversee the application of these restrictions. However, it exempts U.S. defensive assistance and intelligence sharing from these conditions.

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The legislation includes a limited presidential waiver for transfers deemed vital to U.S. national security, requiring the president to justify such waivers to Congress 15 days in advance.

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The Ceasefire Compliance Act has garnered support from J Street, New Jewish Narrative, and Foreign Policy for America, with J Street prioritizing the legislation as part of its advocacy efforts. J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami emphasized that U.S. assistance should not be a "blank check" and that the bill aims to ensure Israel adheres to its agreements and respects Palestinian governance in Gaza.

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Despite its introduction, the bill faces significant opposition. The Israeli government and many within Israeli society oppose the establishment of a Palestinian Authority in Gaza, citing concerns over ongoing payments to families of terrorists. Additionally, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) is actively lobbying against the legislation, arguing that it undermines U.S.-Israel relations and fails to account for Israel's security needs.

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While the Ceasefire Compliance Act is unlikely to pass in the current Republican-controlled Congress, it may serve as a framework for Democrats who are critical of Israel's actions but hesitant to support more extreme measures, such as a full arms embargo. The legislation could influence future discussions on U.S. foreign policy in the region, particularly regarding military assistance and human rights considerations.

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• “The Ceasefire Compliance Act puts into law the common sense principle that American weapons cannot be used by the Israeli government in Gaza and the West Bank in ways that fundamentally violate American values and directly contravene U.S. interests,” — Jeremy Ben-Ami, President of J Street

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• “As one of the United States’ most important allies, Israel must ensure that its policies and the use of U.S. military assistance align with American values, interests, and the law,” — Sean Casten, Representative (D-IL)

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The Ceasefire Compliance Act represents a significant shift in the dialogue surrounding U.S. aid to Israel, reflecting growing calls for accountability and adherence to international agreements.

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