US Defense Department to ask Congress
for additional funding for Israel's short-range rocket defense system

Yitzhak Benhorin







Published:
03.27.12, 22:08 / Israel News WASHINGTON – The US
Defense Department will ask Congress for additional funding for Israel's Iron Dome defense
system, Ynet learned Tuesday.Pentagon press secretary George Little said in a statement that short-range
rocket defense system has been critical in recent weeks, when nearly 300 rockets
were fired at southern Israel from Gaza. The Iron Dome system intercepted more than 80% of its targets.

Little said the Pentagon and Israel have discussed US support for buying
additional Iron Dome systems and will ask Congress for money. The Iron Dome system received $205 million in 2011. The current budget
has no money for the program. Defense Minister Ehud Barak welcomed the statement, which he said reflects US Secretary of
Defense Leon Panetta's willingness to assist Israel is purchasing additional
barratries.






"The American
decision is further reflects that depth of Israel-US defense relations and it's
a badge of honor to Israel's military industries, which developed Iron Dome.
"I welcome the American administration's decision to aid in bolstering
Israel's security," he said.http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4208877,00.html