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The aid is for the production of interception missiles which cost $100, 000 each.
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Both US Houses of Congress yesterday approved a $225 million emergency aid package bill for Israel for the production of Iron Dome interception missiles. The bill now moves on to the White House where President Barack Obama is expected to grant his immediate approval so that manufacture of the interception missile can begin as soon as possible.
The Senate passed the bill unanimously and the House of Representatives passed it with a massive 395-8 majority.
Senator Lindsey Graham (Republican, South Carolina) said, “Israel is running out of Iron Dome interceptor missiles and it needs those missiles to defend itself. We stand by Israel and here are the missiles.”
Senator John McCain (Republican, Arizona) said, “We couldn’t go on vacation without first helping Israel.”
Each Iron Dome interceptor missile costs $100, 000. The aid package was approved despite bitter political differences on other issues between Democrats and Republicans in Congress.
“This is a good example of us being able to put aside partisan considerations and work together to help our good friend, Israel, ” said Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Republican, Kentucky), who first proposed splitting off the Israeli aid from a failed larger package that also included money for the border and to fight wildfires.
To date the US has granted $700 million in funding for Iron Dome expenses including R&D, maintenance, and interceptor missile production. This latest $225 million together with another $300 million approved for the 2015 budget brings the amount of aid to weel over $1 billion.
Last week the US Department of Defense also approved transferring large amounts of ammunition to the IDF mainly from the US weapons reserves for Israel. The transfer was made following a request from Israel.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news – www.globes-online.com
