Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The United States, despite concern from Congress, has defended arms sales to Turkey.

Officials said the administration of President Barack Obama would maintain U.S. weapons exports to Turkey amid concerns that the NATO ally was moving away from democracy. They pointed to a notification to Congress of Turkey’s request of the AIM-120C air-to-air missile.

“Turkey is also a NATO ally,” State Department deputy spokesman Marie Harf said. “We think it’s important to provide our NATO allies with resources. We think that’s an important use of our resources.”

Under the Turkish request, estimated at $320 million, the United States would supply up to 145 missiles as well as 40 launchers. The project, which would include training and logistical support, was to be headed by Raytheon.

“Why is President Obama selling AMRAAM missiles to Turkey but blocking Hellfires for Israel?” Sen. Ted Cruz asked in a social media post on Aug. 18.

The State Department, which acknowledged a slowdown in arms shipments to Israel, rejected the comparison. Ms. Harf refused to respond to reports that Turkey was harboring a senior Hamas operative, alleged to have directed a plot to attack Israel.

“I don’t have anything to confirm those [reports],” Ms. Harf said.

  Marie Harf, Sen. Cruz: ‘Why is President Obama selling AMRAAM missiles to Turkey but blocking Hellfires for Israel?’, U.S. State Department