Ambassador Oren´s article on need to invest in 10 new batteries quickly translated into bipartisan bill. Congressman Berman: ´US will continue to stand by our strong ally´

WASHINGTON – The US Congress´ response to Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren´s article was instantaneous. After Oren published an opinion piece discussing the growing need to invest in 10 more Iron Dome batteries, two House Representatives introduced legislation Wednesday that would allow the Obama administration to give more missile defense systems to Israel.

The proposed bill does not include specific figures, but it recognizes the operational success of Iron Dome, and its strategic significance in anti-missile defense. It also secures the budgeting of 10 more Iron Dome batteries, regardless of expected cut in security funding. The cost of one Iron Dome battery is $50 millions, not including the costs of the missiles and infrastructure.

“Israel must have the ability to defend itself from rocket and missile attacks, and the United States will continue to stand by our strong ally if called upon in times of need,” Rep. Berman (D) said.

Berman, ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has pushed a number of pro-Israeli measures, including previous legislation in 2010 that supported Obama´s plan to allocate $205 million in additional aid to develop the Iron Dome system.

In the article published in "Politico", Ambassador Oren wrote: "an additional 10 batteries, at least, will be necessary to protect the entire country."

Oren added, "For America, as well as for Israel, an investment in the Iron Dome system is an investment in diplomacy — helping to create the conditions conducive to peace." (Copyright 2012 © Yedioth Internet 03/22/12)