2013 Briefing Book - Print Version - Aipac
2013 Briefing Book - Print Version - Aipac
2013 Briefing Book - Print Version - Aipac
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ISRAEL AT RISK<br />
What Congress Has Done to Combat the Missile Threat<br />
Funded Key U.S.-Israel Missile Defense Programs. For the past two decades, Congress<br />
has funded key missile defense programs, including the Arrow anti-ballistic missile<br />
program. The Arrow is the centerpiece of the U.S.-Israel cooperative defense<br />
relationship and one of the most advanced missile defense systems in existence. This<br />
system provides Israel with an essential capability to counter imminent and emerging<br />
ballistic missile threats. It also enhances U.S. security efforts by supplying key research<br />
and technology for other theater missile defense programs.<br />
Congress also has helped fund the David’s Sling Short Range Ballistic Missile<br />
Defense System, jointly developed by the United States and Israel. David’s Sling<br />
is designed to provide Israel and the U.S. military with effective and affordable<br />
protection against the threat of long-range artillery rockets (LRAR) and shortrange<br />
ballistic missiles (SRBM). David’s Sling will also help defend against the<br />
emerging cruise missile threat currently proliferating in the Middle East.<br />
Authorized Funding for the New Israeli-Developed Iron Dome Rocket Defense System.<br />
Both the House and Senate voted to support President Obama’s 2011 request to<br />
provide $205 million to Israel to produce the short-range rocket defense system<br />
known as Iron Dome. An additional $70 million was provided in fiscal year 2012. The<br />
technology is designed to intercept artillery shells and short-range rockets from Hamas<br />
and Hizballah, and has successfully intercepted dozens of rockets fired from Gaza at<br />
Israel over the past year.<br />
Strongly Backed Israel’s Right to Defend Itself. Both houses have passed multiple<br />
resolutions backing Israel’s quest for peace and its right to self-defense. For example,<br />
the House and the Senate passed resolutions in 2009 and 2012 that support Israel’s<br />
right to self-defense against continuing Hamas rocket attacks on its cities and<br />
reaffirm America’s strong support for Israel.<br />
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