Jerusalem, 10 March, 2022 (TPS) — Defense Minister Benny Gantz thanked the US for its approval of the $ 1billion emergency aid by the US House of Representatives to replenish Israel’s stock of Iron Dome interceptors.
In addition, the annual military aid to Israel in the sum of $3.8 billion was approved as agreed to in the 2016 US-Israel MOU. This is the first stage in approving the aid budget for Israel, and the Senate is expected to similarly vote in favor by this weekend.
Ganz thanked Congress for approving the security assistance package for Israel, including $1 billion for the Iron Dome, “with the aim of ensuring Israel’s security and enabling us to better protect our citizens.”
He gave special thanks to President Joe Biden “for his leadership and uncompromising support for Israel’s security.” He also thanked US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who pushed the proposal.
“The strategic relationship between Israel and the United States, which is based on an alliance of common interests and values, is essential for Israel’s security and for maintaining its security superiority in the region, and everything is being done to strengthen and preserve it,” he stated.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Yair Lapid stated that the support Israel received “is a testament to the strategic relationship between Israel and the United States.”
He thanked the House of Representatives, the House Democratic and Republican leaderships, and “especially friends of Israel,” Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.
“Thank you for supporting $1 billion in assistance for the lifesaving Iron Dome missile defense system, and for your commitment to the security of the State of Israel over the years,” he said.
AIPAC said that the approval of the $4.8 billion package is the “demonstration of overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress for the US-Israel relationship.”
The approved aid includes $500 million for US-Israel missile defense cooperation, including on the Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow, which “keeps Americans and Israelis safe, supports our economy, and creates American jobs,” AIPAC noted.
$47.5 million was approved for US-Israel anti-tunnel technology cooperation. “Israeli expertise in anti-tunnel technology protects US forces deployed across the globe, keeps Israelis safe, and provides important homeland security benefits,” AIPAC pointed out.
Another $25 million is designated for US-Israel counter-unmanned aerial systems (UAS) cooperation. “Israeli innovation in counter-drone technology helps secure Americans at home and prevent attacks against our citizens abroad,” said AIPAC.