The White House has announced its opposition to increasing the aid package to Israel by $455 million for the development of additional missile defense systems in 2017, Israel Radio reports.

While Congress has already given its approval, the outgoing US President has decided to oppose the increased aid, a move that signals the ongoing tensions between Jerusalem and Washington during the Obama administrations.

It is pointed out the Senate recently approved $600 million in aid for 2017, which represents a $113 million increase from 2016. AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) has released a statement expressing disappointment over the White House’s announcement, adding “On a bipartisan basis, Congress has increased funding above administration requests this year, as it has done for well over a decade. These cooperative programs – including the Arrow, David’s Sling, and Iron Dome – are critical for Israel’s defense against a growing array of missile threats and make an important contribution to US missile defense programs. We applaud Congress for consistently supporting these key programs, and urge their full funding in both the FY 2017 National Defense Authorization and Appropriations Acts.”

On a positive note, US National Security Advisor Susan Rice is signaling the new military aid package with Israel will be the “single largest military assistance package” given to any country in the US’ history.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)