Obama’s Backing of Israeli Rocket Shield: Charm Offensive or Harbinger of More Pressure?

commentary ^ | 5/14/10 | Jonathan Tobin

[Nachum]

The White House’s charm offensive toward Israel’s supporters continued this week with a nice dividend for the Jewish state: financial backing for the country’s “Iron Dome” anti-missile system designed to protect Israeli towns against Palestinian rocket attacks. Haaretz reported yesterday that the Pentagon informed Israel’s Defense Ministry that the president had approved the transfer of $205 million for the purchase of 10 Iron Dome batteries that could help shield southern Israelis towns such as Sderot that have been battered in the past by Katyushas and Qassam missiles from Hamas terrorists in Gaza.

[Nachum]

Won't work, Mr. Faux President. They ain't giving up Jerusalem.

[kenavi]

Not sure I understand how the financial aid arrangement works. Are we giving money for the Israel gov’t to buy the Iron Domes from the Israeli manufacturer?

[Nachum]

No idea. Could be that and other production costs. Don’t forget that the US will probably use this technology for itself as well.

[throwback]

And another story. Seems like ever since the great peace maker arrived, everybody’s been arming up.

[Nachum]

And another story. Seems like ever since the great peace maker arrived, everybody’s been arming up.

Oh yes. Lots of weapons flowing to the region. Especially to the Arab states.