On September 23, the United States House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved $1 billion to replenish Israel’s Iron Dome anti-missile defense system. The bill was passed days after a group of lawmakers, including Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Cori Bush (D-MO), and Ilhan Omar (D-MN), objected to the inclusion of Iron Dome funding in a broader budget bill and forced its removal. Under a cooperation agreement, the Iron Dome interceptors (developed by Israel) are manufactured in the US; the resupply is necessary after the May 2021 Gaza conflict, during which a large number were used to intercept over 4000 rockets and missiles used by Hamas to attack Israelis.

One week earlier, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) introduced an amendment to the National Defense Budget Bill that would block the sale of precision-guided munitions to Israel.

For years, pro-BDS NGOs, some with links to terror groups, have lobbied Congress against American security assistance to Israel, including Iron Dome and other defensive systems. Although their efforts have failed to impact policy, the NGOs have gained support from high-profile progressive Representatives and garnered media attention for the anti-Israel agenda.

In the specific campaign against the Iron Dome funding, as reflected in the quotes below, NGOs and NGO officials falsely portrayed this as an offensive weapons system, mixed with accusations of “apartheid” and implying that it would be better if Hamas missiles and rockets could more easily reach Israeli civilians targets.

Earlier in 2021, Defence for Children International-Palestine (DCI-P) , Human Rights Watch (HRW), and others partnered with Betty McCollum (D-MN) on a  draft bill targeting Israeli companies and defense forces. Additionally, during the May Gaza conflict, the NGO network intensified its attacks, demanding that the United States impose an arms embargo on Israel and halt military assistance. In June 2021, 100 organizations – including PFLP-tied NGOs Addameer, Al-Dameer, Al-Haq, Al-Mezan, Defense for Children International – Palestine, as well as US-BDS NGOs Adalah Justice Project, American Friends Service Committee, American Muslims for Palestine, Center for Constitutional Rights, IfNotNow, Jewish Voice for Peace, Palestine Legal, and Samidoun – publicized their letter to President Biden to “Halt Weapons Sales to Israel.” The attack against Iron Dome funding is a continuation of these campaigns.

Image: IDF Spokesman