Defense Minister Benny Gantz praises US-Israel security ties

• Published date: 23 September 2021
• Author: ANNA AHRONHEIM
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

"Our alliance with the United States is the product of deep ties between security establishments, which is based on shared security interests and above all, on common values. This is how it was and this is how it will remain," he said during an event to mark the Sukkot holiday.

"From the south, north, and east, near and far, our enemies continue to try and harm us," Gantz said, adding that "we must therefore continue to fortify our security, to deepen our alliances with the Jews of the Diaspora, and with the countries of the world, especially with our best friend, the United States."

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"Along with the strategic relations with various countries in the world, and with Diaspora Jewry, we must preserve the IDF as the strongest army in the region," Gantz said.

Built by US defense contractor Ratheon Technologies and Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the Iron Dome was developed with the financial help of the United States. According to a Congressional Research Service report released last year, the US has already provided more than $1.6 billion for Israel to develop and build the system.

Since it went into service in 2011, it has successfully intercepted over 2,500 rockets and other projectiles fired into Israel.

The US has consistently funded the Iron Dome to help Israel defend itself against rocket attacks from terror groups in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon. Less than six months ago Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad fired close to 4,500 rockets and mortars at Israel during an eleven-day conflict dubbed 'Guardian of the Walls'.

Following the fighting, Israel requested $1 billion in US aid to replenish its missile stocks, and President Joe Biden as well as Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and other administration officials...