A proposal advanced by House Republicans in the US Congress outlines a provision to allocate $26.38 billion in military aid to Israel, as revealed by a document made public by the House Appropriations Committee.
Of this allocation, $4 billion is designated for replenishing interceptor missiles utilized in the Iron Dome and David’s Sling short and medium-range air defense systems.
An additional $4.4 billion is slated to replenish depleted stocks of various Israeli armaments, while $3.5 billion is designated for the acquisition of “advanced weapons systems, defense articles, and defense services,” as outlined in a summary published by House Republicans.
The proposed bill also encompasses $2.4 billion to support US forces operating in the Middle East in response to threats directed at Israel.
Furthermore, it allocates $1.2 billion to the Iron Beam initiative, focused on developing a short-range rocket and mortar interceptor system.
Comparatively, a Senate bill passed in February aimed at addressing Israeli defensive requirements would have provided $14 billion to Jerusalem.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, a community center in the northern border town of Arab al-Aramshe became the target of an explosive drone launched from Lebanon, resulting in injuries to 14 soldiers and four civilians, as confirmed by medical personnel and the military.
The wounded were transported to Nahariya’s Galilee Medical Center, where one individual was reported to be in critical condition, with four others sustaining serious injuries.
The remaining casualties were categorized as moderately and lightly injured, according to the hospital’s assessment. The Times of Israel reported this attack today.
Among the injured, fourteen were identified as soldiers, with five of them in critical or serious condition, while the four civilian victims suffered minor injuries.
Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that it aimed at a structure utilized by the Israeli military, employing guided missiles and explosive-laden drones.
Despite the partial evacuation of the town, military personnel were present, potentially utilizing the building as a gathering point. Additionally, a nearby vehicle was also impacted by the attack.
The assault came in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon the previous day, which resulted in the deaths of three Hezbollah members, including two commanders.
Curiously, warning sirens failed to activate prior to the strike, prompting an investigation by the IDF into the malfunction and the failure to intercept the drone.
Footage circulating on social media depicts the moment of impact, showing what appears to be an explosive-laden drone descending onto the community center.
