Oct 14,V7N-The United States announced on Sunday that it will deploy troops to Israel along with an advanced U.S. anti-missile system, marking a rare move aimed at strengthening Israel's air defenses in response to recent missile attacks from Iran. President Joe Biden stated that the deployment is intended "to defend Israel" as the country considers retaliatory action after Iran launched over 180 missiles at Israel on October 1.

While U.S. officials have privately urged Israel to respond carefully to avoid sparking a wider conflict in the Middle East, Biden has publicly expressed opposition to an Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear facilities or energy infrastructure. Pentagon spokesperson Major General Patrick Ryder noted that the deployment is part of broader military adjustments to support Israel and protect U.S. personnel from Iranian attacks.

Deploying U.S. troops to Israel is uncommon outside of military exercises, as Israel possesses significant military capabilities. In recent months, U.S. forces stationed on warships and fighter jets in the Middle East have assisted in Israel's defense, but they have operated from outside Israeli territory.

The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, which is being deployed, is a key component of U.S. air defense and will complement Israel's already advanced missile defense systems. Operating a THAAD battery typically requires around 100 personnel and involves six truck-mounted launchers equipped with interceptors, supported by a powerful radar system.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned that the deployment of U.S. troops to Israel puts them "at risk," adding that Iran has no "red lines" when it comes to defending its interests. However, experts believe Iran seeks to avoid direct conflict with the U.S., making the deployment an important consideration for Iran’s future actions.

The Pentagon did not specify when the system would be deployed to Israel, but a THAAD system was previously stationed in southern Israel for drills in 2019. Lockheed Martin, which manufactures the THAAD system, and Raytheon, responsible for its radar, are the primary contractors involved.

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