U.S. Congress wants to provide $680 million for Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system

U.S. Republican lawmakers intend to grant Israel additional $680 Million through 2015 in order to help Israel’s Iron Dome system that intercepts projectiles and short range rockets, based on the current coverage and the arsenal available to Hamas and Hezbollah Islamist militants.

The money would also be used in installing another interception system, infrastructure and large amounts of defense missiles, such as the “patriot."

The Obama Administration did not issue a direct comment on the Republican move requesting the additional $680 starting this fiscal year until the fiscal year of 2015, Reuters news reported.

So far, the United States has provided $205 million on the Iron Dome system and the Pentagon did not specify what level of funding it would propose to Congress for additional batteries.

Earlier this month, Israel asked Israel asked the United States for assistance estimated at $700 million in addition to the $2.1 billion per year paid to the Israeli military.

According to Ynet news, The Iron Dome is designed to intercept rockets fired from a relatively short range. The system was developed by Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd to counter rocket fire from Lebanon and Palestinian resistance homemade projectiles in the Gaza Strip.

It should be noted that of the approximately 120 homemade projectiles and mortars fired at Israel from Gaza Strip, 90 entered Israel's airspace, Israeli officials said. The Iron Dome system intercepted 20-35 before they could land, military expert told Press TV.

However, the Magic Wand system designed to intercept missiles fired from a range of at least 70km, including cruise missiles and missiles with ballistic warheads such as the Squd, Shihab and Sejil.

According to report published by the Congressional Research Service, Israel has received more more than $115 billion dollars in financial aid. More than $67 billion dollars of the Washington's aid to Israel has been in military.

The U.S also allow the Israeli army to use their emergency reserve ammunition stored in Israel. The value of the weapons held in the U.S. emergency supplies is 1.2 billion dollars.

Source: http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/u-s-republicans-seek-to-provide-israel-with-680-million-for-iron-dome-anti-missile-system-1.425638