US Congress approves funding for Israel rocket defence

Washington - The US Congress on Friday approved $225m for Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile defence system, credited with destroying missiles fired by Hamas before they could reach their targets.

House of Representatives approved the funding by 395 - 8 in a late Friday vote. The Senate earlier approved the measure unanimously before the start of its five week summer recess.

The measure now awaits US President Barack Obama's signature.

The emergency spending funds, which adds to the US deficit, will restock Israel's Iron Dome system with interceptor missiles.

The funding is part of the administration's request of $3.1bn for military assistance to Israel, the world's largest beneficiary of US foreign aid.

Congress appropriated $235m to Iron Dome in 2013.

The White House had originally requested about $176m for the system for 2015, but lawmakers increased the amount. Congress often increases funding for Israeli security projects sought by the president.