In the context of escalating conflict between Lebanon and Israel, and the looming threat of confrontation between Iran and Israel, the United States announced on October 13 that it would be providing a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system to Israel. This decision undoubtedly adds to the already precarious situation in the region.

The U.S. Department of Defense released a statement on the same day, indicating that at President Biden’s direction, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin approved the deployment of a THAAD system to Israel. The statement highlighted that this move was in response to Iran’s missile attacks on Israel on April 13 and October 1, asserting that the THAAD system would bolster Israel’s air defense capabilities. This deployment is part of a broader adjustment in U.S. military forces in the Middle East over recent months.

While the statement mentioned that personnel would be sent to operate the THAAD system, it did not specify the number of troops. However, reports from U.S. and Israeli media suggest that approximately 100 American servicemen may be deployed to Israel.

This is not the first time the U.S. has deployed THAAD systems to the Middle East. Following the escalation of the Israel-Palestine conflict on October 7, Biden had previously instructed military forces to position THAAD systems in the region to defend U.S. personnel and purported “American interests.” The system was also deployed in Israel back in 2019 for training and integrated air defense exercises.

With the addition of the THAAD system, does Israel now feel more secure? In response to the increase in U.S. military support, Iran has warned that this decision places American forces at greater risk. So, why is the U.S. bolstering Israel with THAAD? Does this mean Israel can act with impunity?

On October 13, Iran’s Foreign Minister indicated via social media that the U.S. is sending an unprecedented amount of weaponry to Israel, including troops to operate American missile systems, thereby jeopardizing their own military personnel’s safety. He emphasized that despite Iran’s significant efforts to avoid a full-blown regional war, the nation has “no red lines” when it comes to defending its people and interests.

Russian media have commented that the announcement of deploying THAAD in Israel appears to contradict longstanding claims about Israel’s multi-layered air defense and missile interception capabilities.

Wei Dongxu, a correspondent, reported that during previous retaliatory strikes against Israel, Iran launched a significant number of ballistic and hypersonic missiles, which Israel’s Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 defense systems failed to intercept completely. As a result, some of Israel’s airbases and missile facilities sustained damage. The U.S.’s decision to support Israel’s missile defense operations not only aims to enhance Israel’s capabilities, but it also offers an opportunity for the U.S. military to validate the operational effectiveness of the THAAD system.

Additionally, Russian reports have highlighted mixed results for the THAAD system in combat scenarios. During a January 2022 attack involving ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones from Houthi forces, not all threats were intercepted by THAAD, resulting in significant infrastructure damage in Abu Dhabi and destruction near military bases housing American, French, and Emirati forces.

Wei further pointed out that previous THAAD tests primarily focused on intercepting single targets. If faced with dozens or even hundreds of incoming ballistic missiles, the firepower of THAAD would be insufficient. With nearly a hundred American personnel potentially being deployed to operate the system, this level of involvement signals a deeper engagement that could exacerbate tensions.

Moreover, Russian reports have warned that sending U.S. troops to Israel constitutes direct involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts. Analysts caution that if U.S. servicemen are injured or killed, this could trigger direct American military engagement.

Mehdi, a correspondent from RT, noted that if tensions escalate and conflict reignites between Iran and Israel, the U.S. would essentially be drawn directly into the fray.