Article Posted on : - May 18, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP): The Pentagon says the US will give Israel the extra USD 70 million that Jerusalem asked for this year for short-range missile defence.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Thursday that President Barack Obama directed him to fill Israel's request for the extra money for the Iron Dome system. The US already has provided USD 205 million for the system, which is designed to intercept short-range rockets and mortars.

Panetta met Thursday morning with Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak, then issued a statement saying he had told Barak of the US intention to provide the additional help. He said there will be additional help over the next three years as well but gave no figures.