"Since there has been a
consistent and robust support for both joint U.S.-Israel military endeavors,
research and development endeavors as well as support for Israeli programs
such as the Iron Dome in the past, I fully expect there to be no break
whatsoever in our strong support for the Jewish state and her military and
intelligence needs."
In interviews with the Washington-based newspaper, The Hill, Rothman and
other senior House members said federal budget cuts would not harm U.S.
military aid to Israel, Middle East Newsline reported. They said Israel's Arrow-3 and Iron Dome would
receive nearly $500 million in 2011.
"As we look at cuts we have to always look at national security and the
security of our partners, which is our security, too," Rep. Kay Granger, a
Texas Republican, said.
Ms. Granger, the new chair of the House Appropriations subcommittee on
State and Foreign Operations, said Iron Dome would help Israel counter the
missile and rocket threat from the Iranian-sponsored Hizbullah. She said
Hizbullah has accumulated an arsenal of more than 45,000 missiles and
rockets in Lebanon.
The House leaders said the new Congress regarded missile defense as a
priority for U.S. foreign aid. The administration of President Barack Obama
has allocated $442 million for Israel's Arrow and Iron Dome programs but the
budget has been delayed for more than three months. Israel's BMD systems
have received nearly $1 billion in U.S. aid over the last two years.
"There's just an urgent need in that area to continue the very strategic
partnership we have with Israel," Ms. Granger said.
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