Obama gives Israel $70 million military aid

July 27, 2012 22:05

President Barack Obama has said that he is releasing an additional $70 million in military aid for Israel, a previously announced move that appeared timed to upstage Republican rival Mitt Romney's trip to Israel this weekend.

The stepped-up US aid, first announced in May, will go to help Israel expand production of a short-range rocket defense system. The system, known as Iron Dome, has proved successful at stopping rocket attacks fired at Israeli civilians from

close range, including from Gaza.

The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly ahead of the president.

Obama announced the new military assistance as he signed a bill in the Oval Office expanding military and civilian cooperation with Israel.

Obama said the bill underscores the United States' "unshakable commitment to Israel."

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