Obama Seeks $205 Million for Israeli Missile Defense System

David Streeter — May 14, 2010 – 11:51 am | Barack Obama | Foreign Policy | Israel | Military | Terrorism Comments (0) Add a comment

President Barack Obama is seeking $205 million for the completion of Israel’s Iron Dome missile shield. The Iron Dome system will help Israel protect its citizens from short-range missile attacks launched by Israel’s enemies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. 

A White House spokesman 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.”

 

NJDC enthusiastically applauds Obama’s decision and believes that it demonstrates yet again the Obama Administration’s ironclad commitment to ensuring Israel’s safety and security.

 

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) also lauded Obama’s decision today:

“This important step, which will reduce the threat from Hamas and Hezbollah rocket attacks, is a tribute to America’s commitment to Israel’s defense and underscores our fundamental security cooperation with Israel, an island of democracy surrounded by a sea of hostile terrorist and totalitarian threats. … In approving this funding, President Obama is bringing to fruition his promise to help ensure safety for the people of Sderot and other Israeli communities.”

 

Reuters reported that Obama’s increase in defense funding to Israel—which is outside of the annual $3 billion—will increase the efficiency of the Iron Dome system and allow Israel to respond quicker to missile attacks.

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