Israel must have military edge, U.S. says

WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Legislation passed in the U.S. House of Representatives will ensure Israel has a military edge over its rivals in the Middle East, a committee chairman said.

"Retaining a qualitative military edge is critical to Israel's defense," Rep. Ed Royce, R-Calif., chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said in a statement Wednesday.

The Israeli Qualitative Military Edge Enhancement Act passed in the House of Representatives. It calls on the White House to assess Israel's military capabilities every two years.

Royce said the United States had a strategic interest in protecting Israel as both sides share many of the same adversaries.

"Throughout the region Israel faces growing threats -- the prospect of a nuclear Iran, Hezbollah, and widespread regional instability," he said.

The Senate Armed Services Committee passed similar legislation earlier this week. The Senate bill authorizes funding for a $173 million joint missile defense project underway with Israel.

Rep. Doug Collins, R-Ga., author of the House defense measure, said the legislation is a testament to the durability of the strategic ties to the Middle East.

"America's support for Israel should be strong and responsive to the changing threats facing our strongest Middle Eastern ally," he said Wednesday.