US Prepares to Deploy THAAD Anti-Ballistic Missile System in Israel

US Troops to Operate Advanced Defense System

The Israeli government has announced that the United States is preparing to deploy the THAAD anti-ballistic missile systems in Israel. This significant development could potentially place US troops directly in the line of fire amid the ongoing tension with Iran. The Times of Israel has reported this move as part of the preparations for the expected Israeli response to Iran's recent missile attack. The advanced missile defense system will reportedly be operated by American troops on Israeli soil. However, there have been some initial contradictory reports.

About the THAAD System

The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system is an anti-ballistic missile defense system capable of intercepting short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles in their terminal phase. While there has been no formal US vote or Congressional authorization for this move, it represents yet another escalation in the Biden administration's ongoing multi-billion dollar military aid program for Israel, which carries significant risks.

Anticipated Ballistic Missile Exchange

Any potential new exchange of ballistic missiles with the Islamic Republic is likely to involve direct attempts to target anti-air batteries positioned in Israel. Other Israeli media reports have also indicated that the U.S. is set to deploy THAAD air defense batteries in Israel. This move is expected to reinforce Israel's defenses against Iranian ballistic missiles and is another indication that Washington believes Israeli action in Iran is likely to be forceful and trigger a response.

US Troops on Israeli Soil

While US special forces and commanders have previously been in Tel Aviv and possibly near Gaza in an "advisory" role, the deployment of the THAAD system in Israel using US Army operators would undoubtedly constitute American boots on the ground. This deployment would be a departure from the principle that "Israel defends itself by itself" and would demonstrate the strength of the alliance, but also the depth of the dependence on the US.

Contradictory Reports

There have been contradictory reports as to whether the decision to deploy the THAAD system has been finalized. Iranian state media has claimed that Iran took out anti-air systems in Israel during the Oct.1 strike. However, another report from the Times of Israel suggests that the US has yet to make a final decision on whether to deploy the THAAD anti-missile defense system in Israel.

Anticipated Israeli Response to Iranian Attack

Israel is still vowing to hit Iran hard in retaliation for the Oct.1st attack on Israel, which involved some 200 Iranian ballistic missiles fired, and resulted in damage to Israeli airbases. Whether the administration has pulled the trigger on the plan is likely to become more clear in the coming days.

Bottom Line

The potential deployment of THAAD anti-ballistic missile systems in Israel by the United States is a significant development in the ongoing tension with Iran. This move could put US troops directly in harm's way and represents a major escalation in the ongoing military aid program for Israel. However, contradictory reports have emerged, and it remains to be seen whether the decision has been finalized. What are your thoughts on this development? Share this article with your friends and discuss. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.