The United States has pledged to provide the $70 million assistance that Israel requested for the maintenance of its Iron Dome air defense system.
This was announced by U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta after a meeting with his Israeli counterpart Ehud Barak at the Pentagon on Thursday.
This is an example of the level of security cooperation between the United States and Israel, which "has never been stronger," Panetta said in a statement.
Iron Dome is a mobile air defense system that Israel began using last year to protect its civilian population against short-range rockets and artillery shells -- those fired from a distance of up to about 40 miles.
Panetta said if the Congress approved the measure, "we can [provide the assistance] quickly, to ensure [there is] no shortage in this important system."
"My goal is to ensure Israel has the funding it needs each year to produce these batteries that can protect its citizens," the U.S. Defense Minister added.
Through 2015, defense officials will request funds for the system based on yearly assessments of Israeli security requirements against an evolving threat, Panetta noted. The United States already has provided $205 million in assistance for the Iron Dome system, and operational batteries have proven effective in defending against rocket attacks on Israel earlier this year.
"Iron Dome has already saved the lives of Israeli citizens, and it can help prevent escalation in the future," according to Panetta. Ongoing support for the defense system reflects the United States' "rock-solid commitment to Israel's security," and comes on top of about $3 billion in other annual security assistance for Israel, he said.
Panetta said he and Barak also continued their regular dialogue involving topics of common interest to the two allied nations and their militaries.
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