Israel is poised to become more formidable on the battlefield. The United States is sending Israel the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-ballistic missile defense system to help counter threats from Iran. This advanced defense system will be accompanied by around 100 skilled American soldiers sent to operate it.
On October 7, 2023, militants from Hamas launched an attack within Israel, prompting Israel to respond against Gaza. With Hezbollah and Iran also challenging Israel, this deployment marks the first presence of U.S. forces in Israel amid such threats.
Strengthening Israel's Air Defense
Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Patrick Ryder released a statement on Sunday declaring that U.S. President Joe Biden instructed Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system and its crew. This move will aid Israel in bolstering its air defense system. The THAAD battery is specifically designed to defend against ballistic missile attacks.
What the U.S. Stated
U.S. Central Command posted on X, noting that based on the president's directive, Secretary Austin authorized the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery and related U.S. military personnel following the Iranian attacks on April 13 and again on October 1 to reinforce Israel's air defenses.
The THAAD system is a mobile defense mechanism capable of shielding Israeli cities, forces, and establishments from short to medium-range ballistic missile threats.
Deployment Within a Week
The statement highlighted the deployment as indicative of the United States's steadfast commitment to defending Israel against potential ballistic missile threats from Iran. The THAAD battery and special forces are expected to arrive in Israel within a week.
Israel has intensified its offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Last month, the Pentagon announced it would deploy several thousand U.S. troops to the Middle East, estimated between 2,000 and 3,000 soldiers.
Amid regional tension last year, the United States decided to position a THAAD battery in the Middle East. Following the attacks on October 7, 2023, America directed its forces to deploy a THAAD battery in the region, protecting its interests. The United States previously stationed a THAAD battery in Israel in 2019 for training and integrated air defense exercises.
