Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama has ordered a reduction in U.S.
aid to Israel’s ballistic missile defense program.

Officials said Obama has submitted a budget that would cut U.S. aid to
Israeli BMD for 2013. Under the budget proposal, Israel would receive $99.8
million, a reduction of $6.3 million from fiscal 2012.

“This is a very slight cut considering the pressure on our overall
defense budget,” an official said.

This marked the second year in a row that the administration has tried to cut U.S. funding for Israeli BMD programs. White House targets included the Arrow System Improvement Program, meant to intercept Iranian ballistic missiles, and the Short Range Ballistic Missile Defense Program.

“For an administration which tried to claim that it’s the best for
Israel’s security, cutting critical funds for missile defense at a time when the threat from Iran has never been greater is extremely
dangerous, worrisome and reckless,” Matt Brooks, executive director of the Republican Jewish Coalition, said.

Congress, however, is expected to increase the proposed budget for
Israeli BMD. In 2011, the House and Senate agreed to augment Obama’s
request from $106 million to $216 million, which included development of
David’s Sling system.

The Defense Department, which itself faces a $700 million missile
defense cut, has sought to expand U.S. cooperation with international BMD
programs.

Officials cited Turkey, which has been examining the U.S.-origin PAC-3 for
an expected order by 2013.

“There could be other Middle Eastern countries that we hope will either
step up themselves or we will have to slow down some of our actions to
improve their missile defenses,” Pentagon comptroller Robert Hale said.

  Arrow System Improvement Program, David’s Sling, fiscal 2012 budget, Obama budget would cut funding for Israeli missile defense, Pentagon, Republican Jewish Coalition, Robert Hale, Short Range Ballistic Missile Defense Program