WASHINGTON — The Pentagon announced on Sunday that the United States will send a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery to Israel, alongside the necessary troops for its operation. This deployment comes as Iran has issued warnings to Washington to refrain from sending American military forces into Israel.
Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon spokesman, confirmed that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin authorized the deployment at the request of President Joe Biden. The THAAD system is intended to enhance Israel’s air defenses in response to Iranian ballistic missile attacks that occurred in April and October.
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent a broader conflict in the Middle East, the delivery of this advanced missile defense system has raised concerns about escalating tensions. Iran’s warning was conveyed through a post on the social media platform X by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in light of reports regarding the potential U.S. deployment.
Since October 8, 2023, Israeli forces have been engaged in clashes with Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon, following the latter’s rocket fire in support of Hamas in Gaza. In late September, Israel initiated a ground invasion into Lebanon, and it is widely believed that the Israeli government is preparing a military response to an Iranian missile attack on October 1, during which approximately 180 missiles were launched at Israel.
Before departing Florida on Sunday, President Biden stated that he agreed to the deployment of the THAAD battery to “defend Israel.” He made these remarks at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, following a visit to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Milton. In his statement, Ryder emphasized that the deployment reflects the United States’ unwavering commitment to Israel’s defense and to protecting Americans in the region from further Iranian missile threats.
Details regarding the origin and arrival timeline of the THAAD battery remain unclear. Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, a spokesman for the Israeli army, did not provide specific timelines but expressed gratitude for U.S. support.
The U.S. had previously deployed a THAAD battery to the Middle East along with additional Patriot battalions to enhance protections for U.S. forces in the region following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel. Additionally, a THAAD battery was sent to Israel in 2019 for training purposes.
It is common for the U.S. to maintain a limited number of troops in Israel, which it considers a vital regional ally. A small contingent of American forces has consistently been present in Israel, alongside routine rotational deployments for training and exercises.
According to an April report from the Congressional Research Service, the Army possesses seven THAAD batteries, each comprising six truck-mounted launchers, 48 interceptors, and associated radar and communication equipment, requiring a total of 95 personnel for operation.