From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, July 13, 2022
Gantz thanks Biden for boosted Iron Dome funding from US
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
Speaking to US President Joe Biden at a display of Israel’s air defense systems, Defense Minister Benny Gantz thanks him for funding for additional Iron Dome interceptor missiles.
“Under your rule, honorable president, security cooperation in the region has intensified and expanded in an unprecedented manner and Israel is grateful for this, and also for your support with record US security assistance that included a billion dollars to replenish Iron Dome interceptors,” Gantz tells Biden according to remarks provided by his office.
Gantz says the military cooperation in the region includes “many countries that see a need for stability and the development of sustainable peace.”
“Strengthening the security stability the United States is leading in the region, is a condition for both economic development and preserving human rights, and I am sure that under your leadership and together with all US security bodies, we will continue to develop it in all areas — air, sea, land and cyber,” Gantz says.
“The alliance between Israel and the United States is stronger than ever, and Israel is confident that the president will continue to take the necessary steps to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons,” Gantz adds.
