WASHINGTON (JTA) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked the Obama administration and the U.S. Congress for funding the Iron Dome short-range anti-missile system.
"This is a very welcome decision in and of itself," Netanyahu told his Cabinet on Sunday, informing them of the inclusion of the $205 million in an omnibus funding bill approved last week by Congress. "Iron Dome is one of the components in our active defense and it is clear that we welcome this. But we also welcome the deep commitment of the American people, the Congress and the administration to the State of Israel."
The system performed successfully on its inaugural run when it intercepted rockets fired from the Gaza Strip during recent heightened tensions on that border.
The $205 million was in addition to $3 billion approved for Israel’s defense assistance, left untouched in a year when Congress and the administration are otherwise focused on tamping down spending.
Netanyahu said he will "give expression to this friendship" when he speaks next month to both houses of Congress.
