The Biden administration has confirmed it will send an advanced missile defense system to Israel along with a team of American troops to operate it.
100 Soldiers to Israel
The move, which was first reported through anonymous sources, was officially announced by the Pentagon on Sunday, October 13. The decision comes in response to recent missile attacks by Iran on Israeli territory, as confirmed by the U.S. Department of Defense, according to Ziare.
The U.S. will deploy the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, a land-based interceptor designed to destroy ballistic missiles. This deployment includes fewer than 100 American soldiers, a rare move for U.S. forces in Israel.
These troops will be responsible for operating and maintaining the missile defense system, which is expected to strengthen Israel's integrated air defense network.
U. S. Personnel At Risk
Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder explained that this is part of broader military adjustments the U.S. has made in recent months to support Israel and protect American personnel from Iranian attacks, as well as strikes from Iranian-backed militias.
The decision follows two Iranian missile attacks on Israel earlier this year — one in April and another on October 1.
In response, the U.S. is taking steps to bolster Israel's defenses against any future threats.
The timing of when the system will be operational in Israel is still unclear, but it marks a notable effort to protect the country from potential retaliatory strikes, especially as Israel and the U.S. have reportedly discussed a planned response to Iranian aggression.
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, has warned that deploying American troops to operate these missile systems in Israel puts U.S. personnel at risk.
