U.S. giving Israel $70M more for missile defence this year

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U.S. giving Israel $70M more for missile defence this year

The Associated Press Published Thursday, May 17, 2012 1:39PM EDT

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Text:

WASHINGTON - The Pentagon says the U.S. will give Israel the extra $70 million that it asked for this year for short-range missile defence.

Defence Secretary Leon Panetta said Thursday that President Barack Obama directed him to fill Israel's request for the extra money for the Iron Dome system. The U.S. already has provided $205 million for the system, which is designed to intercept short-range rockets and mortars.

Panetta met Thursday with Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak, then issued a statement saying he had told Barak of the U.S. intention to provide the additional help. He said there will be additional help over the next three years as well but gave no figures.