The United States is sending a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system and around 100 troops to Israel as tensions escalate in the Middle East.

Axar.az reports that this marks the first significant U.S. military deployment to Israel since the Gaza war began and occurs shortly before the U.S. presidential election. U.S. officials have warned Israel against targeting Iranian energy sites to prevent wider conflict.
The deployment reflects concerns that an Israeli assault on Iran could provoke retaliation. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has promised a powerful response following Iran’s recent missile attacks.
Although Iran’s strikes failed to cause significant damage, they demonstrated vulnerabilities in Israel’s air defenses, highlighted by a recent Hezbollah drone strike that killed four Israeli soldiers.
The U.S. deployment aims to enhance Israel’s defenses, but it increases the risks of U.S. casualties and further American involvement. This move underscores U.S. commitment to Israel, despite internal divisions over military aid policies.