US House of Representatives approves special aid for Israel

• Published date: 21 April 2024
• Author: Dean Shmuel Elmas
• Publication title: Globes (Rishon LeZion, Israel)

The aid package includes $26.4 billion for Israel, of which $4 billion is for replenishing stocks of the Tamir interceptor missile used by the Iron Dome air defense system. $60.8 billion is for Ukraine, mostly for munitions; and $8.1 billion is for Taiwan. The package will now go to a vote by the Senate, and thence to President Joe Biden for signature. Biden had urged swift passage of the bill, saying, "It comes at a moment of grave urgency, with Israel facing unprecedented attacks from Iran and Ukraine under continued bombardment from Russia."

$4.4 billion of the aid to Israel is for replenishing stocks of other munitions, and $3.5 billion is for procuring advanced weapons systems. $2.4 billion will go to fund US forces operating in the Middle East, and $1.2 billion is for development of the Iron Beam laser and microwave system designed to supplement Iron Dome is intercepting short-range threats. $9.1 billion will be for humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip.

After the Republican speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson led the passage of the aid bill for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan...