Netanyahu blocked transfer of 'Iron Dome' to Ukraine - WP
In 2023, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not support the transfer of US-funded Iron Dome air defense systems to Ukraine. The initiative was promoted by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, but Israel exercised its veto right under the joint production agreement. The topic has resurfaced in light of a new bill on US-Israel technological cooperation. Senator Chris Van Hollen criticized the veto, noting that the systems were paid for by American taxpayers.
In 2023, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not support the transfer of Iron Dome air defense systems to Ukraine, despite the fact that the batteries under consideration were funded by the United States. This is reported by The Washington Post. According to the publication, the initiative to transfer the systems was promoted by the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. However, the implementation of this idea was halted after the Israeli side exercised its right to final approval of such decisions. As noted, this right is enshrined in the joint production agreement for the Iron Dome system. It stipulates that Israel can make the final decision regarding the transfer of the systems to third countries, even if specific batteries were paid for by the US government. The topic has again come into focus amid discussions in the US Congress of a new bill on expanding technological cooperation between Washington and Jerusalem. In addition to joint work in the field of missile defense, the document provides for the development of partnerships in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, protection against biological threats, and directed energy technologies. At the same time, the initiative has drawn criticism from a number of lawmakers. In their view, such agreements could limit the freedom of action of the United States in matters of disposing of military equipment financed by American taxpayers. Senator Chris Van Hollen stated that the Israeli veto prevented the transfer to Ukraine of missile systems located in the southwestern United States and paid for by the American side. According to him, this situation raises questions about the limits of allies' influence on Washington's decisions in the field of military aid.