U.S. Deploys THAAD Battery to Israel Amid Rising Tensions
WASHINGTON (AP) — In a significant move to bolster Israel’s defenses, the United States has authorized the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery, along with the necessary personnel to operate it. This decision, made by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at the request of President Joe Biden, comes as tensions escalate in the Middle East, particularly following Iran’s recent ballistic missile attacks on Israel.
Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder emphasized that the THAAD system is crucial for enhancing Israeli air defenses, especially after Iran launched approximately 180 missiles into Israeli territory earlier this month. Despite diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the ongoing conflict in the region, U.S. military support risks exacerbating tensions, drawing stern warnings from Iranian officials against American troop involvement in Israel.
Since clashes erupted following Hezbollah’s rocket attacks on Israel in early October 2023, the situation has deteriorated. President Biden, speaking from MacDill Air Force Base in Florida, reiterated the U.S. commitment to Israel’s defense, stating the deployment is aimed specifically at countering further threats from Iran.
The anticipated arrival date and origin of the THAAD battery remains unspecified, but the system represents an important addition to Israel’s existing air defense arsenal, which includes multiple systems designed to intercept various missile threats. Historically, the U.S. has maintained a limited military presence in Israel, thus reinforcing its strategic alliance in the region.
The THAAD system is designed to intercept short- to intermediate-range ballistic missiles, extending the protective range to 150-200 kilometers, and complements Israel’s existing Patriot systems, which have been phased out after decades of service.
This deployment underscores the United States’ "ironclad commitment" to Israel’s security amid an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.
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