US lawmakers back Israel missile defense aid

[The Northerner]

WASHINGTON — The US House of Representatives on Thursday overwhelmingly backed President Barack Obama's plans to help Israel deploy an anti-missile system, in an unmistakable election-year show of support.

By a 410-4 margin, lawmakers endorsed Obama's plan to give Israel 205 million dollars for its production of a short-range rocket defense system called "Iron Dome."

"With nearly every square inch of Israel at risk from rocket and missile attacks, we must ensure that our most important ally in the region has the tools to defend itself," said House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Howard Berman.

"The looming threat of a nuclear-armed Iran, and the persistent threat posed by Iran's allies Hamas and Hezbollah, only serve to reinforce our longstanding commitment to Israel's security," the California Democrat added.

Israel completed tests in January on its Iron Dome system, designed to intercept short-range rockets and artillery shells fired at Israel by Hamas and Hezbollah.

The next phase is to integrate the system into the army. Israel hopes the Iron Dome will help counter rocket fire from the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip and from Lebanon.

Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iZkwGc0de9kU4XW0QtVJ5aaoDdyw

[lib2DaBone]

1. We are going to GIVE Israel $205 Million.. it sails thru Congress...

"By a 410-4 margin, lawmakers endorsed Obama's plan to give Israel 205 million dollars"

Money for unemployment benefits, food stamps for Americans? Sorry.. we can't afford it.

[The Northerner]

2. Saddening, isn't it?

[Poll_Blind]

3. "Ha ha! Keep working hard, America! Keep sending money! Israel loves you!" n/t

PB