(1) The Jewish State of Israel, as a close and indispensable ally of the United States, with whom the United States enjoys mutually-beneficial military, intelligence, homeland security, scientific, technological, and other cooperation, deserves all necessary assistance to defend itself and its citizens from the many threats that it continues to face.
(2) The State of Israel has been under grave threat and frequent attack from missiles, rockets, and mortar shells fired at Israeli civilian targets by militants from the Foreign Terrorist Organization Hamas on its southern border and by the Foreign Terrorist Organization Hezbollah on its northern border, which have killed, wounded, or inflicted psychological trauma on countless Israelis.
(3) The United States remains committed to Israel’s qualitative military edge, including its advantage over non-state actors such as Hamas and Hezbollah, which boast increasingly sophisticated and powerful weapons as a result of support from Iran, Syria, and other state actors.
(4) Regional stability and lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians requires that Israel can ensure the safety of its population against rocket, missile, and other threats.
(5) The United States can help to advance its own vital national security interests and the cause of peace by supporting Israel’s ability to defend itself against rocket, missile, and other threats.
(6) The State of Israel announced in January 2010 the successful testing of its Iron Dome Short Range Artillery Rocket Defense System which is designed to intercept short-range rockets, missiles, and mortars launched by militants in Gaza and southern Lebanon.
(7) In the face of threats from its neighbors and non-state actors, Israel historically has sought the means to defend itself, by itself.
(8) President Barack Obama has stated: ‘Our commitment to Israel’s security is unshakable.’.
(9) Vice President Joe Biden has stated: ‘From my experience, the one precondition for progress is that the rest of the world knows this--there is no space between the U.S. and Israel when it comes to security--none.’.
(10) Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates has stated: ‘President Obama has affirmed, the United States commitment to Israel’s security is unshakable, and our defense relationship is stronger than ever, to the mutual benefit of both nations.’.
(11) President Obama recently requested funds to help the State of Israel procure and maintain Iron Dome missile batteries.
U.S. Congress - Text of H.R.5327 as Referred in Senate United States-Israel Missile Defense Cooperation and Support Act
