Israel's 5th Iron Dome battery. Photo: MOD.

JNS.org – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was informed last week during his visit to Washington, DC, that the U.S. Congress is expected to approve an additional $160 million of funding for the Iron Dome missile defense system, Israel Hayom reported.

Currently, there are seven Iron Dome batteries in operation, and the Israel defense establishment’s goal is to have 14 batteries in operation by the end of 2015. The increase would provide Israel’s skies with full coverage against rocket threats.

Last week, Netanyahu met with U.S. President Barack Obama, senior members of Congress, and leaders of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, thanking all of them for the anticipated additional funding.

In 2010, Congress approved a special budget of $205 million for the Iron Dome.