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May 18, 2012

U.S. Gives Israel $70 Million Boost for Missile Defense 
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The Obama administration has granted an Israeli request for an
additional $70 million to fund a so-called missile defense program known
as "Iron Dome." On Thursday, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said the
Pentagon will request the funding over the next three years. The money
would come on top of the more than $200 million already allocated for
the system and the additional $3 billion in annual U.S. military aid.
Republicans say the U.S. funding for Iron Dome does not go far enough,
and are advancing a measure that would give Israel an additional $680
million. Speaking at a meeting with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
in Washington, Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak thanked the White
House for its support.

Ehud Barak: "I'm delighted to be here once again and to have an
opportunity to discuss Middle Eastern issues with the Secretary
(inaudible). And we are highly appreciative of the approach of this
Administration, of the Secretary, of Secretary of Defense, and of course
of the President, in regard to the security of Israel, making sure that
in our tough neighborhood, Israel will be strong and secure."

 

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