The U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) announced its intention to deploy the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) missile defense system in Israel. This system is designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles and will be accompanied by U.S. military personnel who will oversee its operation.
In a statement released by its press office on Sunday, the Pentagon explained that the deployment of the THAAD battery and the associated American military personnel comes “at the direction of President Joe Biden and under the authorization of Secretary Lloyd Austin.”
The Pentagon justified the deployment, stating it aims “to enhance Israel’s air defenses following unprecedented Iranian attacks against Israel on April 13 and again on October 1.”
This action “reaffirms the United States’ unwavering commitment to defending Israel and protecting Americans in Israel from further ballistic missile attacks by Iran,” the statement added.
The Pentagon noted that this is not the first time the U.S. has deployed the THAAD system in Israel; it was previously stationed there in 2019 for training and integrated air defense exercises. Although the Pentagon did not provide specific details on the timing of the deployment, American media reports suggest that Washington will send around 100 military personnel to Israel to manage the system’s operations.
Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, THAAD is a defense weapon designed to intercept high-altitude short- and medium-range ballistic missiles. The manufacturer claims that THAAD is the only U.S. system designed to intercept targets both inside and outside the atmosphere.
Defense experts state that THAAD can hit targets at ranges between 150 and 200 kilometers, making it an effective complement to the Patriot missile system.
Context of Deployment
Israeli military radio confirmed on Saturday that the United States had deployed the THAAD system in Israel in preparation for a potential Iranian retaliation against an anticipated Israeli attack on Iran. A military source stated, “For the first time, a THAAD battery will be stationed in Israel in anticipation of Iranian retaliation.” This deployment was reportedly requested by Israel to enhance regional strength and reinforce the strong alliance between the two countries.
In response to the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, along with Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon, Iran launched dozens of missiles at Israel in early October. This attack resulted in casualties and damage to air bases, causing millions of Israelis to rush to shelters.
With unwavering U.S. support, Israel assassinated Nasrallah and others in an airstrike on the southern suburbs of Beirut on September 27. Haniyeh was killed in a strike on his residence during a visit to Tehran in late July, with Iran accusing Tel Aviv of his assassination.
Following the Iranian retaliatory strike, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and military and political leaders vowed to launch a “strong and significant” attack on Tehran, without specifying a timeframe. Some officials have called for strikes against Iran’s nuclear and oil facilities.
Iran stated that its retaliatory attack on Israel was based on Article 51 of the UN Charter, which “recognizes the right of member states to use force in self-defense in the event of an armed attack against them,” referring to the assassination of Haniyeh on its territory.
Iran has warned that it will respond with extensive and comprehensive strikes against Israel’s infrastructure if the latter retaliates against its attack.
