US Defense Department to ask Congress for additional funding for Israel´s short-range rocket defense system

WASHINGTON – The US Defense Department will ask Congress for additional funding for Israel´s Iron Dome defense system, Ynet learned Tuesday.

Pentagon press secretary George Little said in a statement that short- range rocket defense system has been critical in recent weeks, when nearly 300 rockets were fired at southern Israel from Gaza.

The Iron Dome system intercepted more than 80% of its targets.

Little said the Pentagon and Israel have discussed US support for buying additional Iron Dome systems and will ask Congress for money.

The Iron Dome system received $205 million in 2011. The current budget has no money for the program.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak welcomed the statement, which he said reflects US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta´s willingness to assist Israel is purchasing additional barratries.

"The American decision is further reflects that depth of Israel-US defense relations and it´s a badge of honor to Israel´s military industries, which developed Iron Dome.

"I welcome the American administration´s decision to aid in bolstering Israel´s security," he said. AP contributed to this report (Copyright 2012 © Yedioth Internet 03/27/12)