WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon says the U.S. will give Israel the extra $70 million that Jerusalem asked for this year for short-range missile defense.
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 U.S. already has provided $205 million for the system, which is designed to intercept short-range rockets and mortars.
Panetta met Thursday morning with Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak, then issued a statement saying he had told Barak of the U.S. intention to provide the additional help. He said there will be additional help over the next three years as well but gave no figures.
