The U.S. government claims that Israeli factories compete with Americans in violation of trade agreements.
The American government launched a counter-investigation against the Finkelstein Metals company. The company is the sole supplier to Rafael for metal rods for the production of ammunition for Iron Dome batteries. IDF spokesman Ron Tomer, the president of the Association of Manufacturers, warned of the unusual situation that could lead to damage to other companies. The precedential investigation procedure could have a dramatic impact on all trade relations between Israel and the United States.