US Deploys Additional THAAD in Israel for Defense Against Iran Attacks

"America's Ironclad Resolve to Defend Israel"

The United States will deploy additional Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) batteries and troops to Israel.

On the 13th (local time), Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder stated, "Following the President's directive, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has approved the deployment."

He explained, "This move underscores the United States' unwavering commitment to defend Israel against further ballistic missile attacks from Iran and to protect Americans in Israel. It is also part of the extensive adjustments the U.S. military has made over the past few months to support Israel's defense against attacks from Iran and Iran-linked militias and to safeguard Americans."

The U.S. has previously deployed THAAD systems to Israel multiple times. After the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7 last year, President Joe Biden ordered the deployment of THAAD batteries. The U.S. also deployed THAAD to Israel in 2019 for integrated air defense exercises.

This THAAD deployment is a measure to prevent additional missile attacks by Iran against Israel. Earlier, Iran launched a large number of ballistic missiles at Israel in April and October as retaliatory attacks. In April, Israel's missile defense system, Iron Dome, intercepted 99% of the missiles, resulting in minimal damage. However, in October, it was pointed out that up to 23 of the missiles launched by Iran fell on roads near the Nevatim Airbase in southern Israel, revealing vulnerabilities.