In a recent development, the Pentagon has confirmed that President Joe Biden has instructed Defense Department Secretary Lloyd Austin to dispatch a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system and a contingent of 100 troops to Israel.
This move comes in response to the escalating tension in the Middle East, particularly following Iran's recent assault on Israel.
As reported by American Military News, Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder stated, At the direction of the President, Secretary Austin authorized the deployment of a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery and associated crew of U.S. military personnel to Israel to help bolster Israels air defenses following Irans unprecedented attacks against Israel on April 13 and again on October 1.
Ryder elaborated that the deployment of the THAAD missile defense system would supplement Israel's existing air defense system in the region. He emphasized that this move underscores the United States' unwavering commitment to safeguarding Israel and protecting Americans residing there from potential ballistic missile attacks by Iran.
The Pentagons press secretary further explained that the deployment of the THAAD missile defense system, along with 100 U.S. troops, is part of a series of broader strategic adjustments made by the U.S. military in recent months. These measures aim to shield Americans and defend Israel against potential assaults by Iran and its allied militias.
Ryder noted, This is not the first time the United States 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. The United States previously deployed a THAAD battery to Israel in 2019 for training and an integrated air defense exercise.
CNN reports that the THAAD missile defense system is specifically designed to counter ballistic missile threats, such as the recent attack Iran launched against Israel. The network highlighted that the deployment of the THAAD missile defense system could significantly bolster Israel's defense capabilities, particularly if Iran retaliates against Israel's anticipated counterstrike with another assault.
While the deployment of U.S. troops within Israel is an unusual move for the Pentagon, CNN noted that the number of troops being deployed, 100, is standard for the operation of the THAAD missile defense system.
When Fox News questioned President Biden about his decision to deploy the anti-ballistic missile defense system, his response was succinct and clear: To defend Israel. This statement reaffirms the United States' steadfast commitment to the security of Israel, a key ally in the Middle East, amid the escalating tension in the region.
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