Israel Seeks Second THAAD Missile Defense Battery from US

THAAD System Now Operational in Israel

Israeli leaders recently confirmed that a THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) anti-ballistic missile system, supplied by the US, is now operational in Israel. This significant development places American troops directly in the line of potential danger, especially as Israel prepares to retaliate against Iran for a ballistic missile attack that occurred on October 1st.

Request for a Second THAAD Battery

Following the deployment of the first THAAD system, the Israeli government is reportedly seeking a second one from the US, as reported by Israel's Channel 12. The Times of Israel states that each THAAD battery comprises six truck-mounted launchers, 48 interceptors, and radio and radar equipment, necessitating 95 soldiers for operation.

Approximately 100 American soldiers are currently stationed in Israel to operate the first THAAD system. However, the deployment of a second battery would increase this number to around 200. There has been no indication so far that the Pentagon intends to dispatch a second battery.

Pentagon's Statement on THAAD Deployment

Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh stated on Tuesday that an advance team of military personnel and some of the initial components required to operate the missile battery arrived in Israel on Monday. She added that additional personnel and components are scheduled to arrive in the coming days, with the aim of making the THAAD fully operational soon.

Singh further explained that this decision was part of broader adjustments made by the US military in recent months to support Israel's defense and protect Americans from attacks by Iran and Iranian-aligned militias.

Israel's Retaliation Plans

The White House has been briefed by the Netanyahu government on the expected targets in Iran that Israel plans to hit in retaliation. However, it appears that Israel is already seeking additional equipment and missiles from the Pentagon.

According to a report by the Financial Times this week, Israel is facing a shortage of interceptor missiles as it strengthens its air defenses to protect the country from attacks by Iran and its proxies. The US is reportedly working to help close gaps in Israel’s protective shield, announcing the deployment of a THAAD antimissile battery ahead of an expected retaliatory strike from Israel on Iran, which could escalate the regional situation.

Israel's Munitions Issue

Dana Stroul, a former US senior defense official and analyst, was quoted in the same report as saying that Israel’s munitions issue is serious. Stroul, who is pro-Israel and anti-Iran, mentioned that if Iran responds to an Israeli attack with a massive airstrike campaign, and if Hezbollah also joins in, Israel's air defenses will be stretched.

It is likely that Israel will continue to request more support, and based on previous patterns, Washington is likely to comply, just as it has been doing for similar requests from Ukraine.

Bottom Line

The deployment of the THAAD system in Israel marks a significant development in the region's defense dynamics. With Israel already requesting a second battery, it raises questions about the extent of the US's commitment to Israel's defense and the potential implications for regional stability. What are your thoughts on this issue? Feel free to share this article with your friends and discuss it. You can also sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.