Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system. Photo: Israel Defense Forces.

JNS.org – The United States Senate on Friday passed $225 million in emergency funding for Israel’s highly successful Iron Dome missile defense system. Initially, the Senate blocked the funding on Thursday amid disputes between Republicans and Democrats over the federal budget deficit.

The Pentagon-requested Iron Dome funding had drawn scrutiny due to its inclusion as part of a $2.7 billion border aid package also comprised of items unrelated to Israel, such as $615 million to fight Western wildfires.

According to Politico, the emergency funding for Israel was blocked on the Senate floor Thursday after Republicans blocked the proposal over concerns that it would increase American debt. Republicans wanted the Iron Dome aid to be separate from the larger border spending bill and to include spending cuts to other international organizations like the United Nations, but Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid had balked at both suggestions.

“It’s an important moment for the Senate and the House to show support for Israel. All I can say that if you don’t see the need to come to Israel’s aid now, and the message that it would send now, it would be a big mistake,” said Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC).