US THAAD missile defense system are being sent to Israel. The Pentagon has revealed that, in the midst of escalating tensions with Iran, President Joe Biden’s administration is continuing to offer “ironclad” support for one of its closest allies by sending an advanced anti-missile system to Israel.
The US Department of Defense said on Sunday that Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin had authorised the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) “battery and associated crew of US military personnel to Israel” to help boost the country’s air defences.
The integrated air defense system in Israel will be strengthened by the THAAD Battery. The Pentagon released a statement saying, “This action demonstrates the United States’ unwavering commitment to the defense of Israel and to defend Americans in Israel against any subsequent ballistic missile strikes by Iran.
Less than two weeks have passed since Iran launched a volley of missiles at Israel on October 1 in revenge for the killings of an Iranian general, as well as leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah.
A regional conflict could break out in the Middle East as a result of the vows of retaliation made by Israeli authorities, especially Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Biden recommended earlier this month that Israel hold off on attacking Iran’s nuclear installations or oil fields, but the Israeli government has consistently disregarded the American president’s open advisories in the past.
The precise date of the US THAAD system’s deployment to Israel is unknown. “Around 100 troops” will be dispatched to the nation, an unidentified US official told CBS News.
Prior to this, on Sunday, Washington was forcibly “putting [its troops’] lives at risk by sending them to operate US missile systems in Israel,” as stated by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
“It is very evident that we have no boundaries when it comes to protecting our people and interests, even though we have worked extremely hard in the last several days to prevent an all-out conflict in our area. Critics have pointed out that Washington provides Israel with constant military and diplomatic assistance, despite the US’s stated preference for negotiation and a de-escalation in the region. Every year, the US gives Israel military help of at least $3.8 billion, and since the Israeli military started fighting in the Gaza Strip in October of last year, the Biden administration has approved an additional $14 billion in aid for its partner.
After months of gunfire across the Israel-Lebanon border between Israel and the Lebanese militia Hezbollah, Israel has also recently increased the scope of its bombing campaign in Lebanon.
However, the Biden administration has rejected calls to halt arms deliveries to Israel in order to put pressure on the nation to terminate the hostilities in Gaza and Lebanon, despite mounting worries about the conflict escalating. Senior political commentator for Al Jazeera Marwan Bishara stated that “there is no doubt” that the introduction of Washington’s THAAD system on Sunday will increase tensions in the area.
“I wonder whether President Biden is stumbling into another regional conflict without realizing it. or [whether] he is escalating the conflict with his eyes wide open, Bishara stated.
Three integrated missile defense systems are now in service in Israel to stop rockets and missiles that are launched towards the nation.
Nonetheless, Al Jazeera’s Mike Hanna reported from Washington, DC, that the THAAD system that the US would send to Israel is a “step up” and has a longer range than previous systems.
