Pentagon Seeks $3.5 Billion to Replenish Israel Defense Systems After Iran Attacks

Interception of a ballistic missile. (Social media)

The Pentagon is asking Congress to sign off on more than $3.5 billion in spending to replace missile interceptors and other equipment used in defending Israel during Israel’s clashes with Iran, according to budget documents reviewed by Bloomberg.

The May documents cite �the situation in Israel� and U.S. military actions �executed at the request of or in coordination with Israel for the defense of Israeli territory, personnel or assets during attacks by Iran.�

A significant share of the request would go toward replenishing missile interceptors fired during Iran�s April 2024 barrage of more than 300 missiles and drones � most of which were destroyed by Israeli and allied defenses, including U.S. forces. The documents also seek reimbursement for �the movement of new production SM-3 IB rounds,� missiles used to replace expended stockpiles. Bloomberg reported that SM-3 interceptors were also launched by U.S. forces in the June conflict with Iran, which lasted 12 days and included American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

The $3.5 billion replenishment request is separate from the $4.2 billion in weapons and equipment Washington provided Israel between Hamas�s Oct. 7 attack last year and May. Both figures are tied to a $14 billion military assistance package for Israel that Congress approved in 2023. Roughly $1 billion of the new request is earmarked for one type of interceptor used in the April assault, Bloomberg said.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

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