The Pentagon announced on Sunday that the US will send an air defense battery to Israel in response to the growing threat of Iran. The decision to deploy a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery and a crew of US military personnel follows Iran’s recent attacks on Israel.
This move will enhance Israel’s integrated air defense system and demonstrate the US government’s strong commitment to Israel’s defense. The deployment is part of a series of adjustments made by the US military to protect American troops in the region and deter potential missile attacks from Iran and its affiliates.
Notably, this is not the first time the US has sent a THAAD battery to the Middle East. The US had previously deployed a similar battery to Israel in 2019 for training purposes and conducted integrated air defense exercises. The recent attacks by Iran, launched in retaliation for the assassination of prominent Hezbollah and Hamas leaders, have heightened tensions in the region.
Overall, the deployment of the THAAD battery underscores the US government’s commitment to supporting its allies and safeguarding American interests in the face of escalating threats from Iran.