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US ups funds for Israeli missile defense
President Obama has signed a defense spending bill that includes $202 million in funds for Israel's missile defense programs, the White House announced Monday.
The 2010 defense appropriation, however, does not contain funding for the F-22, which would have extended the program. Israel had long wanted to purchase the stealth jets, but current law prevents their export. With the program now slated to end, Israel will focus on the F-35, an even more advanced plane that doesn't have the same restrictions but which will take many more years to become operational.
The Obama administration had opposed further funding for the F-22 and several other pet projects of Congressional appropriators on the grounds that they were too costly and not necessary given the asymmetrical military challenges the country faces. Though the bomber was originally included in the bill - sparking a veto threat - the final version cut the allocation in a political victory for Obama.