The United States announced on Monday the immediate transfer of $429 million to Israel to continue manufacturing and purchasing Iron Dome anti-rocket batteries.
The decision to provide additional Iron Dome funding was first reported by Israel Hayom on Monday. The U.S. Defense Department made the official announcement later in the day.
The U.S. Defense Department hailed the prowess of the Israeli-made aerial defense system, saying the deal to provide the funding was signed last week and represents the shared strategic interests of both countries.
Currently, there are seven Iron Dome batteries in operation, and the Israel defense establishment's goal is to have 14 batteries in operation by the end of 2015. The increase would provide Israel's skies with full coverage against rocket threats. The additional funding is intended to ensure that Israel meets that goal.
American officials involved in the budget allocation said the funding is meant to demonstrate the U.S. government's commitment to Israel's security.
Israel's defense establishment is in the planning stages of the multi-layer Homa ("Wall") missile defense system, which will include Iron Dome (for protection from short-range missiles), David's Sling (for protection from mid-range missiles) and the Arrow (for protection from long-range missiles, including those that could be fired from Iran).
Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Attache to Israel Brig. Gen. John Shapland suggested on Monday that Israel enhance its aerial defense capabilities to provide protection for neighboring countries such as Egypt and Jordan, countries which share certain overlapping regional interests with Israel.
"If we could build a regional defense capability, for example in Jordan, this capability could easily protect Israel, Jordan and even Egypt. If you will, such a system would add another layer to your multi-layered defense system," Shapland said in a speech to the Institute for National Security Studies.