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The US House of Representatives has endorsed President Barack Obama's plans to give Israel over $200 million for an anti-missile system.
The lawmakers have overwhelmingly supported the bill that gives Obama a free hand to fund Israel's plans for deploying a controversial short-range missile system called the "Iron Dome."
The House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman has described Thursday's vote as an important step. Howard Berman says Washington must make sure its most important ally can defend itself.
Israel completed tests on its Iron Dome missile system in January. It is planning to integrate the system into the army.
White House spokesman Tommy Vietor said on Thursday that Washington recognizes Israel's need to have such a system.
News of the representatives' support for the bill comes as US envoy George Mitchell wraps up his Middle East visit without making any progress in "proximity talks" with the Israeli and Palestinian sides.
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