- By Shivangi Sharma
- Sun, 13 Oct 2024 11:12 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
As the Middle East crisis intensifies, the Pentagon announced on Sunday that the United States will deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery to Israel, along with the personnel required to operate it, despite Iran's warning to Washington to refrain from involving American military forces in Israel, according to a report by CNN.
Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder stated that this is not the first instance of the US deploying such a system to the region. In fact, the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery was previously stationed in Israel in 2019 for a military exercise.
The Pentagon also stated that this action aims to strengthen Israel's air defences in response to Iran's unprecedented attacks on Israel on April 13 and again on October 1.
While it is uncommon for US troops to be stationed in Israel, the number of personnel being deployed is standard for operating the anti-missile defence system.
Pentagon Confirms Biden's Approval For THAAD Deployment To Israel
The THAAD system is designed for anti-ballistic missile defence, providing Israel with enhanced protection against potential future Iranian attacks in the event that Iran retaliates for any Israeli strike. Pentagon spokesman stated that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin approved the deployment of the THAAD battery upon President Joe Biden's direction.
ALSO READ: US Officials Warn Of Israel's Intent To Strike Iranian Military, Energy Sites: Report
Since October 8, 2023, Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon have been engaged in clashes following the Lebanese militant group's launch of rockets across the border in support of Hamas in Gaza. At the end of last month, Israel initiated a ground invasion into Lebanon. There is widespread belief that Israel is preparing a military response to Iran's October 1 attack, during which approximately 180 missiles were fired into Israel.
