US House of Representatives Overwhelmingly Approves Support for Israel's Iron Dome Missiles

Passed with 420 votes in favor, 9 against
Stimulating Jewish vote ahead of midterm elections

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill to support Israel's missile defense system, the Iron Dome. Despite international criticism of Israel's human rights issues in the Palestinian conflict, bipartisan support for Israel was reaffirmed. Critics argue this political move aims to court Jewish voters ahead of the midterm elections.

On the 23rd (local time), the House passed the $1 billion (approximately 1.174 trillion KRW) Iron Dome support bill with a decisive vote of 420 in favor and 9 against. The bill was introduced after the Israeli government requested U.S. assistance to replenish the Iron Dome, which had depleted hundreds of interceptors following clashes with the Palestinian militant group Hamas in May.

According to the Associated Press, the amount of U.S. funding for the Iron Dome this time approaches the $1.7 billion the U.S. government has provided Israel for the Iron Dome since 2011, making it the largest single aid package to date.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, at a press conference held immediately after the bill's passage was reported, expressed gratitude, saying, "We thank the United States for its overwhelming support and commitment to Israel's security, and we thank all members of the House, Democrats and Republicans alike."

Progressive members of the Democratic Party who opposed the bill have strongly criticized it. In particular, Rashida Tlaib, a Palestinian-American Democratic representative, expressed opposition on Twitter before the vote, stating, "We must stop supporting Israel's human rights abuses and its racist government."

However, opposition voices are not expected to be strong ahead of the midterm elections. CNN reported, "Despite opposition from progressives, the U.S. Democrats considered the Jewish vote," adding, "From the Democratic perspective, while passing this bill could cost them up to three seats, opposing it poses a greater risk of defeat."