Washington: The United States has deployed its advanced Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system to Israel, responding to escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, as well as recent missile threats from Iran. This deployment aims to strengthen Israel’s existing air defence capabilities, enabling it to counter potential ballistic missile attacks from Iran or its allies, including Hezbollah.
The THAAD system, designed to intercept ballistic missiles, will enhance Israel’s multi-layered missile defence network. As part of this deployment, around 100 US troops have been stationed in Israel to operate the system, underscoring the significance of the move. The decision follows two significant missile attacks on Israel by Iran—on 13 April and 1 October 2023—marking a critical point in US-Israel military cooperation.
US officials view this deployment not only as a bolstering of Israel’s defence but also as a strategic move to increase its influence in the region. This comes at a time when Israel is reportedly considering offensive action against Iran, a step that could further destabilise the region.
In a statement, the Pentagon reaffirmed the US’s commitment to Israel’s right to self-defence and confirmed that high-level consultations between Israeli and US officials have been ongoing to prevent an uncontrolled escalation of tensions in the area.
This deployment follows the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, which led to a sharp rise in US military activity in the region. The US has since sent aircraft carriers, warships, and additional air defence systems to the Eastern Mediterranean, the Red Sea, and the Arabian Sea. Furthermore, US troops have been deployed to Cyprus to support regional evacuation efforts, indicating the breadth of the American military presence in the Middle East.
On the ground, the conflict has continued to intensify. Hezbollah recently launched a drone attack on an Israeli military base near Haifa, killing four soldiers and wounding over 60 people. The attack is believed to be a retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on Beirut, which left 22 people dead.
The US’s THAAD deployment sends a clear message to any parties considering further military action against Israel, signalling the severe consequences that could follow any escalation.
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