U.S. Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) this week led a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers in urging the Biden administration to transfer two additional Iron Dome air defense systems to Israel that would assist the country in its war against the terrorist group Hamas.
“The Iron Dome is arguably the biggest humanitarian success in modern history,” Rep. Mast said on Monday. “Every time it’s deployed, it saves literally thousands of lives that would otherwise have been lost to indiscriminate rocket fire.
“As Israel faces its greatest threat to date, we owe it to our partner and ally to ensure they have every capability to defend themselves,” said the congressman.
Rep. Mast led 31 other members in urging U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III to transfer the two systems as quickly as possible. The systems were purchased by the U.S. Department of Defense in accordance with the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act, but are currently sitting idle, according to an Oct. 16 letter the lawmakers sent to Austin.
“We urge you to provide Israel with the two available Iron Dome systems and batteries that are currently in the United States Army’s possession,” they wrote Austin. “Honoring our longstanding friendship, shared values of democracy, and respect for sovereignty, this is an important step that is consistent with the security relationship between the United States and Israel, and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to Israel’s security.”
The lawmakers also told Austin that they appreciate the Biden administration’s recent announcement to enhance the nation’s defense posture in the Middle East by moving two carrier strike groups there to support Israel.
“We look forward to working with you to ensure Israel has the necessary resources and capabilities to defend itself on every front against any and all threats,” they wrote.
Among the members who joined Rep. Mast in signing the letter were U.S. Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Pete Stauber (R-MN), and Jared Moskowitz (D-FL).