US deploys advanced missile defence to Israel as Iran tensions soar

The Biden administration is sending an advanced antimissile system to Israel, alongside American troops to operate it, in an effort to strengthen its key Middle Eastern ally's defences against a potential Iranian attack.

The system being deployed is the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (Thaad), a ground-based interceptor designed to neutralise ballistic missiles, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

This move represents a significant step in US efforts to directly protect Israel by placing American troops on the ground.

The decision comes amidst ongoing discussions between the US and Israeli officials concerning a possible Israeli military strike on Iran. US officials have cautioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government against targeting sensitive Iranian oil and nuclear facilities.

President Biden’s approval of the deployment follows extensive consultations among American officials, as well as with Israel, over the latter’s anticipated military response to Iran and the potential consequences from Tehran.

Although the deployment of Thaad was not explicitly conditioned on Israel avoiding specific high-risk targets, a senior US official noted it was "part of a broader conversation on how best to manage the situation."

This rare deployment of US forces to Israel, just weeks before the American presidential election, is seen as a clear demonstration of Biden’s unwavering support for the country. Vice President Kamala Harris also reiterated this position earlier in the month, affirming her "unwavering" commitment to Israel’s security.

Pentagon officials confirmed that the Thaad system would enhance Israel’s existing antimissile defences, addressing a substantial Iranian missile threat while also providing the US with greater strategic flexibility in deploying its missile defence destroyers.

Thaad, which is operated by the US Army, typically involves a crew of around 100 soldiers and includes six truck-mounted launchers, a mobile radar system, and a fire control unit. The system is designed to intercept missiles either inside or outside the atmosphere during the final phase of flight. The Thaad system has proven its effectiveness in combat, most notably when one deployed by the United Arab Emirates intercepted a Houthi missile in January 2022.

In the event of an Iranian response to a planned Israeli strike, this would mark the third instance of Tehran launching attacks on Israeli territory this year.

While the precise timeline for the Thaad system’s arrival in Israel has not been disclosed, the Pentagon confirmed that Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the deployment under President Biden’s directive, in response to Iran’s "unprecedented attacks" against Israel on both April 13 and October 1.

By Aghakazim Guliyev