US sending anti-missile system, troops to Israel: Pentagon

WASHINGTON,— The United States announced on Sunday that it will send troops to Israel, along with the advanced THAAD anti-missile defense system, marking an unusual military deployment aimed at strengthening Israel’s air defenses amid escalating tensions with Iran. This decision comes in response to recent missile attacks by Tehran.

President Joe Biden confirmed the move, stating it is intended “to defend Israel.” The country is currently weighing a potential retaliation against Iran after more than 180 missiles were launched at Israel on October 1. Behind the scenes, U.S. officials have been urging Israeli leaders to carefully measure their response, in an effort to prevent the conflict from sparking a wider regional war. Biden has also publicly expressed his opposition to any potential Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, as well as concerns over attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure.

Major General Patrick Ryder, spokesperson for the Pentagon, said the deployment is part of broader adjustments made by the U.S. military in recent months. These changes aim to support Israel and ensure the protection of U.S. personnel from Iranian aggression and proxy groups in the region.

Deployments of U.S. forces to Israel are uncommon, especially outside of joint drills, as Israel typically relies on its own extensive military capabilities. In recent months, U.S. forces have supported Israel’s defense efforts from bases outside the country, using warships and fighter jets stationed in the region during earlier attacks by Iran.

The THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system is considered a vital element of the U.S. military’s layered air defense strategy. It enhances Israel’s already robust anti-missile systems. A single THAAD battery requires around 100 personnel to operate and includes six truck-mounted launchers, each carrying eight interceptors, along with advanced radar systems.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi issued a stark warning earlier on Sunday, stating that the U.S. was endangering the lives of its troops by sending them to Israel.

He also stressed that Iran has no “red lines” when it comes to defending its interests and people. Nevertheless, analysts believe Iran is reluctant to engage in a direct conflict with the United States, and this latest U.S. deployment could influence Iran’s strategy moving forward.

Iran has previously launched missiles and drones at Israel, including a significant barrage of over 180 ballistic missiles on October 1, some of which breached Israel’s missile defenses. U.S. officials did not specify when the THAAD system would be fully operational in Israel, though a similar system was deployed to southern Israel for drills in 2019.

Lockheed Martin manufactures the THAAD system, which is designed to intercept short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles, while Raytheon’s advanced radar system plays a critical role in its operation.

(With files from Reuters)