Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama has slashed U.S. contributions to Israel’s ballistic missile defense programs.

The Obama administration has proposed a reduction of nearly $200 million in joint U.S.-Israel BMD programs. The 2015 budget would hamper such existing programs as Israel’s Arrow-2, Arrow-3 and David’s Sling.

“This is very disappointing and it is irresponsible to cut funding to a steadfast ally in an extremely volatile region of the world,” Rep. Doug Lamborn, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, said.

In all, the Israeli programs would receive $96.8 million in fiscal 2015. In previous years, Congress restored cuts proposed by Obama for Israeli defense programs, including $95 million for fiscal 2014.

Under the latest budget, Israel’s Iron Dome missile and rocket system would also wind down. Supporters in Congress have urged the renewal of funds for Iron Dome, which intercepted scores of rockets fired from the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip over the last two years.

On March 6, Lamborn told a House Armed Services Committee that Israel
has sought $350 million in U.S. funding for BMD programs. In reply, Defense
Secretary Chuck Hagel said Iron Dome would continue to receive U.S. support.

But a leading lobbyist said Obama’s budget request of $7.45 billion
reflected a decline in the importance of BMD. The Missile
Defense Advocacy Alliance said the latest administration request for BMD was
the lowest under Obama.

“Considering the growing instability around the world in North Korea,
Iran, Syria and Ukraine, along with a real need to make our current U.S.
homeland missile defense more reliable, this is not the time to have a
record low investment in missile defense development, capability and
capacity,” alliance director Riki Ellison said.

  Arrow-2, Arrow-3, Chuck Hagel, David’s Sling, Obama cuts $200 million from Israeli missile defense partnership, Rep. Doug Lamborn