The Pentagon announced that the initial components of a U.S. missile defense system designed to shield Israel from Iranian attacks have arrived in the Middle East and will be “fully operational” shortly.
Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder stated on Monday that “an advance team of U.S. military personnel and initial components necessary to operate the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery
“Over the coming days, additional U.S. military personnel and THAAD battery components will continue to arrive in Israel,” he continued. “The battery will be fully operational capable in the near future, but for operations security reasons we will not discuss timelines.
“The deployment of the THAAD battery to Israel underscores the United States’ commitment to the defense of Israel and to defend Americans in Israel from any ballistic missile attacks by Iran,” Ryder added.
The deployment follows Iran and its proxy terrorist groups launching massive missile attacks against Israel in April and again on Oct. 1.
THAAD was previously deployed to Israel in 2019, but only for an exercise, Pentagon officials say.
“It is part of the broader adjustments the U.S. military has made in recent months, to support the defense of Israel and protect Americans from and Iranian-aligned militias,” the Pentagon said in a statement on Sunday.
Approximately 100 U.S. troops are being sent to Israel to operate the THAAD system.
President Biden was asked why he approved the deployment on Sunday, and he replied by saying “To defend Israel.”
’ Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report.