U.S. Congress funding for Israeli anti-missile programs increases

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NEW YORK, Dec. 13 (UPI) -- The U.S. Congress is seeking increased funding for Israel's anti-missile programs.

The Obama administration has requested $99.9 million for 2013 for "Israel co-operative programs" but Congress is said to want to at least double that figure.

The programs include not only the long-range Arrow anti-missile system, manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries, but shorter range David's Sling, built by Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the U.S. defense contractor Raytheon.

Earlier this year the U.S. House of Representatives version of the National Defense Authorization Act passed, recommending adding $168 million to that request and last week the Senate recommended adding $100 million in its own National Defense Authorization Act, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency reported.

A letter from U.S. Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and James Inhofe, R-Okla., to the Senate's Armed Services Committee stated: "As witnessed by the recent attacks on Israel from Gaza, the continued joint efforts of the United States and Israel in missile defense systems is critical to protecting this close U.S. ally and American interests in that region. The technology yields results that both of our militaries will utilize in our respective defense systems."