The Obama administration has asked Congress to help fund Israel's new short-range rocket defense system.

The Iron Dome anti-missile system is intended to intercept rockets from the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.

President Obama has approved providing $205 million for the purchase of more than 10 Iron Dome batteries. His formal request will be sent to Congress within the next few days.

"As the president has repeatedly said, our commitment to Israel's security is unshakable and our defense relationship is stronger than ever," White House officials said in a statement. "The United States and our ally Israel share many of the same security challenges, from combating terrorism to confronting the threat posed by Iran's nuclear-weapons program."

"The President recognizes the threat missiles and rockets fired by Hamas and Hezbollah pose to Israelis," they said. 

Israel has no formal system in place guarding against rockets fired from militant positions. Its defense ministry reportedly has been seeking outside funding for the Iron Dome system, because its budget is stretched with developing offensive systems.