The Obama administration authorized $205 million to allow Israel to complete its Iron Dome short-range missile defense system.
“As the president has repeatedly said, our commitment to Israel’s security is unshakable and our defense relationship is stronger than ever,” a statement from the White House said.
“The president recognizes the threat missiles and rockets fired by Hamas and Hezbollah pose to Israelis, and has therefore decided to seek funding from Congress to support the production of Israel’s short range rocket defense system called Iron Dome.”
A senior administration said the figure $205 million was over and above the $3 billion that the United States annually allocates to Israel in defense assistance.
The Obama administration is sustaining and in some cases enhancing defense assistance to Israel partly as a means to encourage Israel to advance peace talks with the Palestinians. — jta