### US Deploys Advanced Missile System to Israel Amid Rising Tensions with Iran

The Pentagon has announced that the United States is bolstering Israel's air defenses by sending an advanced anti-missile system, the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), along with a crew of American military personnel. This move is part of President Joe Biden's administration's ongoing commitment to supporting Israel amidst escalating conflicts with Iran.

According to the US Department of Defense, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin authorized the deployment of the THAAD battery, which will significantly upgrade Israel's existing integrated air defense system. The Pentagon emphasized this action reinforces the "ironclad commitment" of the United States to protect both its ally Israel and American citizens in the region against potential ballistic missile threats from Iran.

This development follows a wave of tensions in the region after Iran launched missiles at Israel on October 1 in response to the assassinations of leaders from Hamas, Hezbollah, and an Iranian general. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials have threatened retaliation, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.

Although no specific timeline has been given for the THAAD system's deployment, a US official revealed to CBS News that around 100 American troops would be sent to Israel to operate the system. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has issued warnings that the lives of these US troops could be at risk, indicating that Iran has no reservations about defending its interests.

Despite advocating for diplomacy and de-escalation, critics argue that the US continues its firm military and diplomatic backing of Israel. The US provides Israel with at least $3.8 billion annually in military aid, and since the Israeli military ramped up its offensive in Gaza last year, the Biden administration has approved an additional $14 billion in assistance.

Israeli military actions have not been confined to Gaza alone; there has been an ongoing exchange of fire with Hezbollah along the Israel-Lebanon border, which has also seen an intensified Israeli bombing campaign in Lebanon. Calls for the US to halt weapons transfers to Israel as a means to pressure an end to the conflicts have so far been ignored by the Biden administration.

Senior political analyst Marwan Bishara of Al Jazeera suggested the deployment could exacerbate regional tensions, speculating whether President Biden is inadvertently stumbling into another conflict or deliberately escalating the situation.

Israel, which already employs three missile defense systems, will see a significant upgrade with the THAAD system due to its extended range. Al Jazeera's Mike Hanna noted the complexity of the system, highlighting that it requires a highly trained crew of 94 US soldiers to operate.

Military analyst Elijah Magnier believes that the deployment indicates Israel may delay any imminent attack on Iran, suggesting that Israel will likely wait until the THAAD system is fully operational to defend against any retaliatory strikes from Iran.

This is not the first time the US has deployed a THAAD battery to Israel; a similar deployment occurred in 2019 for training purposes. The recent decision follows directives from President Biden to enhance American military presence in the Middle East to safeguard US troops and interests, particularly following the October 7 attacks by Hamas on southern Israel last year.