This is what the United States announced by sending an advanced anti-missile system and sending more troops to Israel, deepening America's involvement in the spiraling conflict as the region prepares. Israel's retaliatory strike against Iran.
The decision was announced a few hours ago Four soldiers were killed in a Hezbollah drone attack on an Israeli base and injured 61 other people without triggering a warning.
Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, known as THAAD, typically requires about 100 troops to operate and consists of six truck-mounted launchers, each launcher carrying eight interceptors as well as a powerful radar. It is capable of intercepting ballistic missiles with a range of 160 to 200 kilometers.
Retired Brigadier General Jovica Haimovic, former head of Israel's air defense, said Israel expected a larger barrage of missiles from Iran “at a later stage” after Tehran opened fire. More than 180 missiles in Israel As of October 1st.
He said Israel needs THAAD, as well as its own Iron Dome defense system, to counter any attack, and that this latest setback to Israel's defenses comes as the nation evaluates its response to an attack from Iran. which could provoke further retaliation.
“You always need more energy,” Hymovich told NBC News. “We try to predict in the future that the Iranians will again use this method of larger salvos than these 200 missiles.”
The US has previously helped defend Israel by supporting warships and fighter jets in the Middle East during missile attacks from Iran. But the presence of US equipment and troops inside Israel will deepen the country's involvement in the crisis.
While THAAD would not necessarily have prevented Hezbollah's deadly attack on Sunday, Hymovich said it would help ease the burden on the country's already strained air defenses.
“These are the most challenging and complex threats we face,” he said of drones. “They are very small. low height Low speed, a huge challenge for detection.”
“We see our defense forces extending from south to north, from east to west, with cruise missiles, rockets and rockets working in conjunction with UAVs,” he added.
“We are not sufficiently prepared for the situation and the truth is that our enemies recognize this”, he added.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi responded to news about THAAD by warning that the US was “risking” the lives of its troops by sending them to operate the missile system in Israel.
“Although we have made great efforts in recent days to contain all-out war in our region, I am categorically saying that we have no red line to protect our people and interests,” Arakchi posted on X.
Fawaz Gurges, professor of international relations at the London School of Economics, told NBC News that President Joe Biden is sending a message to Iran that the United States “will do whatever it takes to protect Israel,” but warned that the measure is risky. Growing regional conflict.
“This risky strategy risks an even bigger regional war,” he said. “Exactly the opposite of what the Biden administration is trying to do.
The arrival of THAAD and US support may ease the burden on Israel's defenses, but Israel's latest dependence on its allies for protection may reveal chinks in its often impenetrable armor.
“Hezbollah is almost back on its feet,” Gerges added.
“The influx of US support reflects negatively on Israeli resistance. From Hezbollah’s perspective, Israel is vulnerable and bleeding.”
