Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — Congress has approved a significant increase in U.S. support for Israel’s Iron Dome missile and rocket defense system.

On Dec. 2, a conference committee of the House and Senate agreed on the terms of the defense budget for fiscal 2015. Under the agreement, Congress would allocate $350 million for Iron Dome, or double that requested by President Barack Obama.

“This legislation represents broad, bipartisan consensus about America’s national security goals, resources, and policies,” Rep. Adam Smith, the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, said.

In a summary of the agreement, Smith said Congress would fulfill an Israeli request for another $175 million for Iron Dome. He said the funds would be linked to an agreement for U.S. co production of the short-range missile and rocket defense system, developed by Israel’s state-owned Rafael Advance Defense Systems.

Under a 2014 accord, the United States would co produce 55 percent of Iron Dome, including major components. The U.S. project would be headed by Raytheon, a partner of Rafael in the longer-range David’s Sling missile and rocket defense system.

“For the Iron Dome missile defense system, the bill provides $350 million, including an Israeli-requested $175 increase over the budget request, and requires that FY15 funds be executed according to the U.S.-Israel agreement on co production — mandating 55 percent co production in the U.S. for parts and components,” Smith said.

The bill, called the National Defense Authorization Act, has been relayed for a vote by the full House and Senate. The legislation also called for a $1.3 billion fund to support counter-insurgency programs by U.S. allies in the Middle East and Africa.

  Congress doubles funding approved by Obama for Israel’s Iron Dome, WorldTribune.com