Nides: Funding Israel's Iron Dome is a US national security interest

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

"This is a defensive mechanism. It is to stop rockets from raining in on Israel. We are supportive of the replenishment and it is in our national security interest," said Nides, who spoke to the committee on Wednesday.

He said that the president supports Iron Dome funding, which supports "a very important ally in the region."

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Nides spoke as House majority leader Steny Hoyer vowed to bring a suspension bill to the House floor later to provide $1 billion in Iron Dome funding.

At the committee hearing, Nides vowed to support the Abraham Accords, to oppose BDS and to continue "advancing the bonds between our people," including the Visa Waiver Program.

Nides appeared before the committee alongside four other nominees for different State Department positions. A vote on their respective nominations is expected to take place at another date.

"The United States remains unwavering in its commitment to Israel's security, supported by our 10-year, $38 billion Memorandum of Understanding," he said.

Speaking about the Iranian threat, Nides said that Biden "has made clear his commitment to ensure that Iran never develops a nuclear weapon," and that "upholding Israel's security serves America's national security interests and ensures that we will always have a strong, reliable and secure partner."

Nides also said that the US is committed "to advancing the bonds between our people," and mentioned that "President Biden announced we will work with Israel in hopes of them joining the Visa Waiver Program."

He also mentioned the strategic competition with China, calling it "a defining feature of the 21st century." The United States views close cooperation with Israel on foreign investment risk management "as a down payment on our security and intelligence partnership," he said.

"We must continue to oppose all efforts to isolate and delegitimize Israel internationally," said Nides. "If confirmed, while respecting the rights of all Americans to free speech, I will continue the tireless work of this administration to firmly reject the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement and boycott laws which unfairly single out Israel."

He praised the normalization of ties between Israel and four Arab countries. "The Abraham Accords are critical to regional stability and prosperity," he said. "I will personally support every effort to expand cooperation...