US to approve 1b for Israel's defense system Updated: 2012-05-08 09:25 (Xinhua)

WASHINGTON - The US House Appropriations Committee's defense subcommittee is set to approve nearly $1 billion for Israel's missile and rocket defense systems, a member of the subcommittee said on Monday.

US Congressman Steve Rothman, a member of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, announced in a statement that $947 million has been appropriated toward expanding Israel's defense system of Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow for the coming year.

"This funding level is the highest ever appropriated in a single year for these life-saving programs," said Rothman, stressing that the appropriation shows "how vitally important these systems are for our nation's national security."

Rothman said President Barack Obama and all the members of the subcommittee understand the importance of safeguarding the citizens and troops of the United State and its key ally Israel.

A part of the $947 million is set to be approved Tuesday in a session of the defense subcommittee.

US Defense Department said in March that it supported expanding Israel's anti-rocket defense system Iron Dome, and asked Congress for money to install more such systems.

Previously, the United States has provided 205 million dollars in support of Israel's acquisition of Iron Dome system in 2011. Obama's budget for next year calls for $3.1 billion in military assistance for Israel, slightly above the current level and the most for any foreign country.