US defence secretary discusses regional security with Israeli counterpart

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin held a conversation with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant to address recent developments in regional security.

During the discussion, Secretary Austin reviewed the adjustments in US military posture, including the recent deployment of a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system aimed at bolstering Israel’s defences against threats from Iran, Lebanese Hezbollah, and Iranian proxy groups, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Pentagon press service.

Secretary Austin expressed relief upon learning that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was unharmed following an attack that reportedly targeted his home in Caesarea earlier on October 19.

The conversation underscores the US commitment to supporting Israel’s security amid ongoing tensions in the region.

The deployment of the THAAD system is part of a broader strategy to enhance Israel's defense capabilities in response to increasing threats and regional instability. The US continues to prioritize collaboration with Israel to ensure the country's safety and security.

Notably, Israel has reportedly requested the US to send a second THAAD battery to protect the country in case of an Iranian reaction after the much-expected Israeli counterstrikes, a few US and Israeli media outlets reported. 

On October 13, 2024, the Pentagon Press Secretary, Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said in a statement, “At the direction of the President, Secretary Austin authorized the deployment of a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) battery and associated crew of U.S. military personnel to Israel to help bolster Israel’s air defences following Iran’s unprecedented attacks against Israel on April 13 and again on October 1.

The THAAD Battery will augment Israel’s integrated air defence system. This action underscores the United States’ ironclad commitment to the defence of Israel and to defend Americans in Israel from any further ballistic missile attacks by Iran. It is part of the broader adjustments the US military has made in recent months to support the defence of Israel and protect Americans from attacks by Iran and Iranian-aligned militias”.

This is not the first time the US has deployed a THAAD battery to the region. The President directed the military to deploy a THAAD battery to the Middle East last year following the October 7th attacks to defend American troops and interests in the region.

By Khagan Isayev