US approves $1 billion to rebuild Israel’s Iron Dome

US lawmakers gave the green light to a $1 billion pool to resupply Iron Dome, Israel’s missile defense system, after the controversy that sparked withdrawing the same amount from another bill, following a rebellion by the more progressive wing of Democrats.

The amount was originally included in a law addressing an imminent government shutdown and a potential debt crisis in October.

However, a group of progressives in Parliament, which is controlled by Democrats, has announced that it will reject the text unless Iron Dome funds are withdrawn from the project.

The money transfer was finally introduced in the House of Representatives by 420 votes to 9.

“The passage of this bill reflects the great unity in Congress … of Israel’s security,” said Nancy Pelosi, the leader of the House of Representatives, Democrats, in a speech in the corridors of the compound.

“Help to Israel is vital, because the security of Israel is imperative to the security of the United States.”

Iron Dome destroyed thousands of short-range rockets and missiles fired by Hamas militants from Gaza before they reached populated areas, according to Israeli officials.

It has been backed by the United States since its launch ten years ago for $1.6 billion, according to the Congressional Research Service.

The move by the progressive wing infuriated members of both parties, and House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy denounced what he described as Democrats capitulating to the “anti-Semitic influence of its extremist members.”

Via Twitter, Dean Phillips, a Democratic congressman from Minnesota, was “suspicious” that his colleagues opposed defending one of the “most important allies and the only Jewish nation in the world from Hamas’ missiles.”

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett thanked both parties for their commitment to the security of the country and the American people for their “unwavering friendship.”

However, objections to the funding highlighted that progressives are increasingly skeptical about unrestricted aid to Israel, three months after Naftali ousted right-wing and hard-line Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar, America’s first Muslim female congresswomen, tweeted their disapproval of the funding, citing human rights violations against Palestinians and illegal settlement expansion.

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