Washington, August 2 (RHC)-- The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved an additional $225 million in funding for Israel despite Tel Aviv’s deadly war on the Gaza Strip. On Friday, the Senate rushed through a legislation to provide the money for Israel's "Iron Dome" missile system, which is a short-range rocket defense system designed to intercept rockets and artillery shells fired from a range of between four and 70 kilometers.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said the Senate vote is a much-needed signal to Tel Aviv that the U.S. is there when Israel needs it. Efforts in the Senate to approve the money stalled on Thursday after an objection over the cost blocked the bill.
The funding plan must still pass the House of Representatives and be signed by President Barack Obama to become law. The Senate vote comes two days after the Pentagon announced more ammunition deliveries to Israel.
Last month, U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel sent a letter to congressional leadership requesting $225 million in additional U.S. taxpayers' money for Israel.
The U.S. annual military aid to Israel has been elevated from $2.4 billion to $3.1 billion through 2017 under the existing agreements. Meanwhile, U.S. and Israeli officials have reportedly been discussing a surge in Washington's military aid to Israel in a new aid package that would extend through 2027.
