Middle East Inside Line: Obama and Congress in War over F-22s to Israel?

US President Barack Obama has signed a defense spending bill that includes $202 million in funds for Israel's missile defense programs developed in coordination with the United States. The bill does not contain funding, however, for the F-22 stealth bombers which Israel wants but whose export is prohibited by current law.

The Jerusalem Post contends, "Though the F-22 bomber was originally included in the bill --- sparking a veto threat --- the final version cut the allocation in a political victory for Obama" over Congress. The Administration claimed the aircraft were too costly and unnecessary given the asymmetrical military challenges faced by Israel.

The Post claims, however, that there was a balancing victory for Israel and Congress, with the overall amount of defense aid increased.