WASHINGTON — Congress is preparing to relay additional military aid to Israel.

A bill introduced in the House would enable Israel to produce the Iron Dome missile and rocket defense system. The legislation was sparked by Iron Dome’s performance in Israel’s mini-war with the Gaza Strip in March.

“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. Howard Berman said.

Berman and House Foreign Affairs Committee chairwoman Rep. Ileana Ros- Lehtinen have introduced the Iron Dome Support Act. The legislation authorized President Barack Obama to approve additional Israeli requests for funds to produce the missile and rocket defense batteries.

This marked the second U.S. effort in as many years to help Israel’s Iron Dome program. In 2011, Congress approved $205 million for at least five batteries.

“When Palestinian terrorists launched their latest round of missile attacks on innocent Israelis, the Iron Dome anti-missile system saved innocent lives and prevented an escalation of hostilities and a full- blown crisis,” Berman said on March 22.

Israel has been operating four Iron Dome batteries. The Israel Air Force has set a requirement for 13 batteries of Iron Dome, said to have reached an interception rate of at least 80 percent.

“At least 10 Iron Dome systems will be necessary in order to defend the whole country — for Israel, and for America as well, an investment in Iron Dome is an investment in diplomacy that helps create a conditions for peace,” Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Michael Oren, said.

The Defense Department has reported renewed negotiations between Israel and the United States for additional support for Iron Dome. Officials said the talks included Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, who visited Israel earlier this year.

“The Department of Defense has been in conversations with the government of Israel about U.S. support for the acquisition of additional Iron Dome systems and intends to request an appropriate level of funding from Congress to support such acquisitions based on Israeli requirements and production capacity,” Pentagon spokesman George Little said on March 27. (Copyright © 2012 East West Services, Inc. 04/04/12)