US Sends Advanced Missile System to Israel Amid Heightened Tensions with Iran
In a move seen as a bolstering of its top ally amid rising tensions with Iran, the United States announced the deployment of an advanced Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system to Israel, Al Jazeera reports.
The Pentagon confirmed on Sunday that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin authorized the deployment of a THAAD battery and associated US military personnel to Israel. This comes less than two weeks after Iran launched a barrage of missiles at Israel in retaliation for the assassinations of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, as well as an Iranian general.
Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have vowed to retaliate, raising fears of a full-scale regional conflict.
While President Joe Biden has publicly urged Israel to refrain from striking Iran’s nuclear facilities or oilfields, the Israeli government has repeatedly disregarded his warnings. The exact timing of the THAAD system deployment is unclear, but an unnamed US official told CBS News that approximately 100 troops will accompany the system.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that the deployment puts US troops “at risk” by operating American missile systems in Israel.
Although the US emphasizes diplomacy and de-escalation, critics point out the unwavering military and diplomatic support provided to Israel. The US annually provides Israel with at least $3.8 billion in military aid, and the Biden administration has authorized an additional $14 billion since the Israeli military launched its offensive in the Gaza Strip last year.
The THAAD system’s deployment marks a significant escalation in US support for Israel. The system boasts a greater range than Israel’s existing missile defense systems, providing a more robust defense against potential threats. The US previously deployed a THAAD battery to Israel in 2019 for training and a defense exercise.
The decision comes amid Israel’s expanded bombing campaign in Lebanon, following months of exchanges of fire with Hezbollah across the Israel-Lebanon border. Despite growing concerns about a widening war, the Biden administration has resisted calls to suspend weapons transfers to Israel.
