Netanyahu blocked Iron Dome transfer to Ukraine, report says

Ukraine's potential acquisition of Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system was reportedly thwarted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who vetoed the transfer. The Washington Post cited a joint production agreement as the basis for Israel's final say on the system's use, despite the United States offering to fund the batteries.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposed such a step.

Israel's embassy in Washington defended the veto, stating Netanyahu's concern that the advanced technology could reach Iran. As an alternative, Israel offered to provide the U.S. with Patriot batteries, which could then be sent to Ukraine, according to RBC Ukraine.

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It violates our sovereignty and harms our national security because it limits our capabilities.

This situation unfolds as U.S. lawmakers consider expanding a broader technology-sharing agreement with Israel. The proposed legislation, part of a $1.15 trillion defense policy bill, aims to include areas like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. While supported by Netanyahu and pro-Israel lobbying groups, it faces criticism from some Democrats and Republicans.

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The missile systems we wanted to transfer [to Ukraine] were deployed in the southwestern United States and paid for by U.S. taxpayers, but Israel vetoed it.

Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat, voiced strong opposition, arguing the deal infringes on U.S. sovereignty and national security by limiting its ability to transfer weapons. He questioned Israel's rationale, noting that the U.S. has already supplied sensitive technology, including Patriot batteries, to Ukraine without similar objections. The debate highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics and competing interests between allies.

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We were sending all sorts of sensitive technology there.