Contact B'nai B'rith

1120 20th Street NW, Suite 300N Washington, D.C. 20036

info@bnaibrith.org

202-857-6600

B’nai B’rith International has issued the following statement:
 
B’nai B’rith International is deeply concerned by the Administration opposition to increased missile defense funding for Israel. On June 14, the Administration released a statement criticizing a bipartisan Congressional spending bill: “the Administration opposes the addition of $455 million above the FY 2017 Budget request for Israeli missile defense procurement and cooperative development programs.”
 
The Administration has threatened to veto the bill if changes aren’t made. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the $576 billion defense appropriations bill last week. The bill provides $635 million to Israel’s missile defense systems.
 
Israel faces a daily threat of rocket and mortar attacks from Gaza. A missile defense system such as Iron Dome has proven invaluable in protecting the lives of Israeli citizens. The U.S. and Israel have shared invaluable information about military defense programs. This cooperation benefits both countries.
 
Israel’s fight against a relentless barrage of rocket attacks needs a steady and unwavering commitment to this funding.