Top Democrat announces $500 million funding for Israel defense
by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – The top Democrat on the US Senate Armed Services Committee has announced a funding package of $500 million for Israel’s missile defense as part of a key US defense bill, the Time of Israel (ToI) reports. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand made the announcement Tuesday even as four progressive Congressional Democrats are demanding cuts in US aid to Israel if it proceeds to annex parts of the West Bank.
In an email to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Gillibrand wrote Tuesday: “The US-Israeli Cooperative Missile Defense Program is critical for the safety and protection of Israel, our close friend and ally. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I’m proud to fight for this vital program, which will promote stability and help keep countless citizens of Israel safe from missile attacks.”
This is the third year Gillibrand and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have argued for missile defense funding for Israel to be included in the National Defense Authorization Act, a must-pass bill. The funding is used for Israel’s Iron Dome, Arrow and David’s Sling programs, ToI reports.
Meanwhile, four progressive Democrats have been garnering signatures for a letter to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, demanding cuts in aid to Israel if it advances annexation plans. The letter has reportedly accrued some 12 signatures so far.
Noting the funding was announced while the letter was being circulated, Ron Kampeas observed in his ToI report: [The announcement] was significant in its timing, demonstrating that the party’s mainstream remains committed to funding for Israel’s military at a time that some of its progressive members are calling for cuts.”