The U.S.-Israel relationship is a mutually beneficial partnership that helps protect American troops.
More than a decade ago, Israel developed Iron Dome to protect its citizens from persistent and increasingly dangerous rockets fired by Iranian-backed terrorists.
Since being deployed, Iron Dome has intercepted more than 90 percent of the rockets it has targeted – saving countless lives and reducing physical and psychological damage.
Through constant engagement and education with Congress, we have educated our leaders about the threat facing Israel and the value of funding for Iron Dome. Congress has allocated more than $1.6 billion for this miraculous life-saving defensive system.
And now the U.S. Army has acquired Iron Dome to protect American soldiers facing an increasing threat from short-range rocket attacks.
This week, the first Iron Dome unit was delivered to the United States. Click here to watch a video of the ceremony.
“The completion of this agreement serves as further proof that the defense alliance [between the US and Israel] is based on common values and interests, which are stronger than ever,” said Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz.
The Army has purchased two batteries, including 12 launchers and 240 interceptors.
Below my signature is more news we are following this week.
All the best,
Brian Shankman Director of Regional Affairs and Development
Iron Dome Delivered to U.S. Army
Iron Dome saves Israeli lives. Soon it will protect American troops.
One year after the U.S. Army purchased this life-saving defense system, the first Iron Dome battery was delivered to the United States.
It's #ANewEra for Israeli-Arab relations as cultural, energy and healthcare partnerships open between Israel and the UAE.
The two countries have signed a number of new agreements, including:
An Israeli and Emirati health-tech firm teamed up to launch a remote healthcare platform. This is the first joint product launch in the UAE between an Israeli technology company and an Emirati company.
The United States, Israel and UAE issued a joint statement establishing a strategic vision for new energy partnerships.
Israel Exposes Hezbollah Missile Sites Beneath Beirut Neighborhoods
On Tuesday, the IDF revealed the sites of newly discovered missile factories built beneath Lebanese neighborhoods.
Hezbollah is an Iranian-backed terrorist organization that has killed more Americans than any terrorist group other than al-Qaida and is committed to Israel's destruction.
The terror group uses the people of Lebanon as human shields, hiding weapons in the heart of Beirut - among homes, hospitals, offices, restaurants and schools.
According to the IDF, the locations of newly discovered Hezbollah missile factories in the neighborhoods of Beirut are adjacent to gas companies, near churches and hospitals, and beneath apartment buildings that are home to dozens of Lebanese families.
Israel and Lebanon Reportedly to Begin Talks on Border Issues
According to news reports, Israel and Lebanon will begin direct talks over longstanding maritime border disputes. The direct negotiations, mediated by the United States, will be the first between the two countries in more than three decades.
The neighboring countries, which are technically in a state of war, have competing claims to disputed land and maritime areas, including what may be energy-rich waters. Resolving the dispute could mitigate risk for energy companies looking to do business in the volatile region.
Iranian-Backed Militias Target U.S. Troops
Iranian-backed militias launched six rockets on Wednesday targeting U.S. troops in Iraq. The rockets landed near Erbil airport by a U.S. military base.
Iraqi Kurdistan’s counterterrorism service blamed the attack on the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an umbrella grouping of mostly Iranian-backed Iraqi Shi’ite militias.
Iran is the principal obstacle to peace and security in the Middle East.
U.S. Sanctions Assad Regime and its Enablers
On Wednesday, the U.S. Treasury Department designated known enablers and entities within the Assad regime, including the heads of a division of the Syrian Arab Army, the Syrian General Intelligence Directorate and the Central Bank for their roles in facilitating the regime’s gross human rights violations against the Syrian people.
The State Department also issued designations targeting Syrian President Bashar al Assad’s personal illicit business network.
"As we mark three years since the regime’s slaughter of Syrian civilians in Armanaz, Syria, the United States will continue to employ all of its tools and authorities to target the finances of anyone who profits from or facilitates the Assad regime’s abuse of the Syrian people," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin stated.
