US Approves Iron Dome Funding for Israel after Heated Congressional Debate
The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a new round of funding for Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system, ending weeks of heated political sparring on Capitol Hill.
The measure, which allocates $1.3 billion in emergency defense assistance, passed late Friday with bipartisan support, though not without fierce opposition from progressive lawmakers.
The funding comes at a time of renewed conflict in the region and amid mounting criticism from human rights groups over Israel's ongoing military operations in Gaza. Supporters of the bill argued that the Iron Dome, designed to intercept short-range rockets and missiles, is a purely defensive system vital to protecting civilian lives.
'This funding is about saving lives — full stop,' said Representative Michael McCaul (R-TX), chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. 'Our ally Israel has the right to defend itself from indiscriminate rocket attacks.'
Despite bipartisan backing, the vote exposed deep divisions within the Democratic Party. A bloc of progressive Democrats, including Representatives Rashida Tlaib and Cori Bush, vocally opposed the measure, arguing that unconditional military support to Israel undermines the pursuit of peace and justice for Palestinians.
'We cannot continue to rubber-stamp billions in weapons for a government accused of committing war crimes,' said Rep. Tlaib on the House floor. 'This is not a neutral act — it is complicity.'
While the measure ultimately passed with a vote of 317 to 108, nearly 70 Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the bill, a figure that underscores the enduring political strength of the U.S.-Israel alliance, even amid growing public debate.
Critics, however, view the decision as part of a long-standing U.S. policy of military favoritism that exacerbates regional instability.
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