The United States has deployed its advanced THAAD missile defense system to Israel amid escalating tensions with Iran. Following an Iranian missile strike on Israel earlier this month, Israel and the U.S. have been coordinating potential responses to the situation, Israeli media reported on Sunday.
While Israel has already decided on its type of retaliation against Iran, the timing remains unclear, according to reports from Channel 12. In preparation for any potential conflict, the U.S. has sent the THAAD system, along with American troops to operate it, to bolster Israel’s air defense capabilities. U.S. President Joe Biden confirmed this deployment, stating that it is to “defend Israel.”
Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder said the THAAD system would strengthen Israel’s integrated air defense network, providing additional protection against long-range ballistic missile threats. The THAAD system, produced by Lockheed Martin, is capable of intercepting missiles at high altitudes, offering significant reinforcement to Israel’s defenses.
The deployment is reportedly part of Israel’s preparations for a significant strike against Iran, with the Israeli military working closely with the U.S. Iran, meanwhile, defended its earlier missile attack, citing self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter.