In an unprecedented move, the United States announced Sunday that it will deploy U.S. troops to Israel, along with the advanced Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system. The deployment comes as tensions escalate following Iran's missile attacks on Israel, including the launch of more than 180 ballistic missiles on October 1. U.S. President Joe Biden stated that the deployment is intended to "defend Israel" against further missile attacks and to bolster its already robust air defense capabilities.
The U.S. decision is aimed at supporting Israel's defenses and protecting U.S. personnel in the region from threats posed by Iran and Iranian-backed groups. Pentagon spokesperson Major General Patrick Ryder confirmed the deployment, calling it part of "broader adjustments" to the U.S. military's posture in the Middle East in recent months.
While the deployment is unusual, especially considering Israel's formidable military capabilities, the U.S. has been actively involved in Israel's defense in recent months through operations based outside of the country. THAAD, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, will provide an additional layer to Israel's defense, with its truck-mounted launchers and advanced radar built by Raytheon designed to intercept ballistic missiles. The deployment will require around 100 U.S. troops to operate.
U.S. officials have privately urged Israel to calibrate its response to Iran’s actions to avoid a larger regional conflict. President Biden has publicly voiced concerns over an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities or energy infrastructure, emphasizing the need for a measured approach.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned that the U.S. was putting its troops at risk by sending them to Israel. In a statement on X, Araqchi emphasized Iran’s willingness to defend its interests, although experts note that Iran has sought to avoid direct conflict with the U.S.
Meanwhile, hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah have sharply escalated, with the Iranian-backed group launching deadly drone attacks on Israeli military positions in northern Israel. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a swarm drone attack on Israel's Golani Brigade camp in Binyamina, killing four Israeli soldiers and severely injuring seven others.
As tensions continue to mount, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to withdraw from Hezbollah strongholds, accusing the peacekeepers of providing "human shields" for the group. Israel denied U.N. claims that its tanks stormed a UNIFIL base in southern Lebanon, instead describing the incident as an evacuation maneuver after Hezbollah militants fired anti-tank missiles at Israeli forces, wounding 25 soldiers.
The U.N. responded by reiterating its demand for the safety of peacekeepers, warning that attacks on peacekeeping forces are a violation of international law and could be considered war crimes.
In Gaza, the Israeli military has ramped up its operations, with reports of significant civilian casualties. Palestinian authorities reported hundreds of deaths over the past 10 days as Israeli tanks advanced into northern Gaza. A school sheltering displaced families in Nuseirat was shelled, killing at least 13 Palestinians. Additionally, an Israeli airstrike on a tent camp at Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir Al-Balah killed three and wounded 40 others.
The U.S. continues to press for a diplomatic resolution to avoid a broader regional conflict. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held a call with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant, stressing the need for Israel to protect U.N. peacekeepers and Lebanese civilians while urging a shift from military to diplomatic measures.
As the region remains on high alert, all eyes are on Israel’s potential retaliation against Iran, with the U.S. closely monitoring the situation to prevent the conflict from spreading further across the Middle East.