U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Daniel B. Shapiro, traveled to the south of Israel for a tour of an Iron Dome Battery. Photo: wiki commons.

The U.S. House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee has appropriated nearly $1 billion for Israel’s multi-layer missile defense systems, including the Arrow system and the state of the art Iron Dome platform.

“I am proud to announce that $947 million has been appropriated toward Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow for the coming year,” Congressman Steve Rothman of New Jersey said in a statement.  “These rocket and missile defense systems allow Israel the ability to protect its civilians while giving its leaders the strategic space and time to take the appropriate action to root out terrorists and carefully plan their next steps.”

The Iron Dome system, which guards against short range rockets and was highly effective in the recent surge in attacks from Hamas in the Gaza Strip, is expected to be a lynchpin of Israel’s security for years to come.

The number released on Monday comes in above the $680 million reported earlier this year.

“This funding level is the highest ever appropriated in a single year for these life-saving programs. Given the concern and attention that we are focusing now on every dollar we are expending on behalf of the US taxpayer for all purposes, including the defense of the America and its allies, this appropriation shows how vitally important these systems are for our nation’s national security,” Rothman said.