The US will deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile battery to Israel, along with the necessary troops to operate it, to enhance Israel’s air defenses amid rising tensions with Iran, AP News reports.
This decision, authorized by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at US President Joe Biden’s direction, follows recent ballistic missile attacks on Israel by Iran. The THAAD system consists of six launchers, 48 interceptors, and requires around 95 soldiers to operate. The system can intercept ballistic missiles at ranges of 150 to 200 kilometers and will complement Israel’s existing air defense systems. Biden stated that the THAAD deployment reflects the US’s commitment to Israel’s defense against Iranian missile threats.
This deployment comes amid ongoing clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon, with Israel launching a ground invasion into Lebanon in response to Hezbollah’s rocket attacks in support of Hamas. However, the deployment risks escalating tensions in the Middle East, with Iran warning the US against involving American military forces in Israel.
