Congress Introduces $286 Million Bill for Missile Defense in Israel
by JNS.org
JNS.org – A new bipartisan bill introduced Tuesday by US Reps. Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.) and Jim Bridenstine (R-Okla.) would authorize $286 million in funding for the joint US-Israel David’s Sling missile defense system.
David’s Sling is currently being jointly developed by Israel’s Rafael Advance Defense Systems and American’s Raytheon Company. The system defends against medium-range and long-range rockets and missiles that are outside the range of the highly successful Iron Dome system, which primarily defends the Jewish state against short-range rockets.
“Israel faces an immediate and growing missile threat. Hamas and Hezbollah and their supporters in Iran and Syria are developing more sophisticated and longer-range missiles aimed squarely against our best ally in the Middle East,” Kilmer said in a statement.
Noting the success of the Iron Dome system, Kilmer added, “David’s Sling will provide additional protection by intercepting incoming missiles too far out of range for the Iron Dome. US-Israeli co-development of David’s Sling demonstrates the unshakable American commitment to Israel’s security.”