Bipartisan group of 55 US House members support more funds for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense
06/03/2021
A bipartisan group of 55 members of the US House of Representatives wrote to US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Wednesday in support of more American funding for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system, which intercepted hundreds of rockets during the country’s conflict with the Hamas militant group.
“As Members of Congress who are deeply committed to Israel’s security, we write to express our strong support for the Biden Administration’s ironclad commitment to Israel’s safety and security, including replenishing Israel’s stock of interceptors for the Iron Dome missile defense system and other important matters,” said the group, spearheaded by Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ).
Israel Defense Minister Benny Gantz is due to visit Washington, DC on Thursday to meet with Austin and other US officials, in part to discuss US military aid to Israel and the strengthening of the Iron Dome system.
“Terrorists in Gaza fired more than 4,500 rockets at civilians in Israel and the West Bank during just 11 days, killing both Israelis and Palestinians,” the Congressional letter said. “Although lives were tragically lost, the Iron Dome was extremely effective overall. It intercepted approximately 90 percent of the incoming rockets, saving countless civilians in Israel, as well as those in Gaza.”
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