The United States announced that it will send an advanced anti-missile system to Israel along with about 100 troops to operate it, in order to boost the country’s air defenses following recent missile attacks by Iran. The deployment of the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery is intended to enhance Israel’s integrated air defense system and support its defense against potential attacks from Iran and Iranian-aligned militias. President Joe Biden stated that the system is being sent to defend Israel. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned that the deployment of U.S. troops to operate missile systems in Israel puts their lives at risk. Despite efforts to contain conflict in the region, Araqchi emphasized that Iran is committed to defending its people and interests without any red lines. Iran has previously launched missiles and drones at Israel, including over 180 ballistic missiles fired on October 1 amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. While many missiles were intercepted, some managed to penetrate Israel’s missile defenses. The deployment of the THAAD system and troops to Israel is part of broader adjustments made by the U.S. military to support Israel’s defense and protect against potential threats from Iran.
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