WASHINGTON (TDI): The United States has finalized decision to send to Israel an advanced missile defense system and 100 more troops for operating it, the Pentagon said as Tel Aviv opted for intensifying attacks on Palestine and Lebanon.
In a statement Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said that US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin authorized the deployment of a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery and associated crew of U.S. military personnel at President Joe Biden’s direction.
This is to help bolster Israel’s air defenses following Iran’s unprecedented attacks against Israel on April 13 and again on October 1.
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On Sunday, Biden told media persons in Florida that he gave permission to deploy the THAAD “to defend Israel.”
Explaining the policy of deployment of a THAAD battery to the Middle East, Ryder said that it was deployed shortly after the Oct. 7, 2023, as well as in 2019 for training.
“The THAAD Battery will augment Israel’s integrated air defence system. This action underscores the United States’ ironclad commitment to the defense of Israel, and to defend Americans in Israel, from any further ballistic missile attacks by Iran,” Ryder said.
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The announcement by America comes as Iran issued a fresh warning about deploying American troops in the region.
Last month, Israel launched a limited invasion into Lebanon after alleged attacks by Hezbollah. Israeli air strikes also reportedly killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and other officials, widening the conflict.
