The Arlington County Board meeting on June 14, 2025, featured significant public commentary regarding the Virginia Israeli Advisory Board (VIAB) and its implications for local taxpayers. A speaker raised concerns about the board's funding and its perceived diversion of taxpayer money from Virginia to support Israeli business interests, particularly in the defense sector.

The speaker highlighted that Virginia is unique in having a taxpayer-funded advisory board for a foreign country, specifically Israel. They claimed that approximately $300 of taxpayer money is allocated directly to the board's CEO, but investigative journalism suggests that the board may be diverting millions more to Israeli interests through various business ventures. This includes promoting investments in weapons manufactured for Israel, which the speaker argued are costly and have been used in conflicts, notably in Gaza.

The speaker also pointed out that VIAB has secured significant funding to bring Israeli defense companies to Virginia, including a $1 million investment to support the Israeli Aircraft Industries. They expressed concern that Arlington County officials have collaborated with VIAB to market National Landing as a tech hub, potentially siphoning more taxpayer funds to Israeli companies.

In light of recent events in Gaza, the speaker urged the board to reconsider the allocation of local funds, emphasizing that taxpayer money should prioritize the needs of Arlington residents rather than foreign interests. The meeting continued with additional speakers, indicating a growing public interest in the intersection of local governance and international relations.