Kathmandu: The United States is sending an advanced missile defense system, THAAD, along with about 100 troops to Israel, marking the first U.S. troop deployment there since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks. President Biden ordered the deployment, aiming to enhance Israel’s defense against ballistic missiles, particularly following Iran’s recent missile barrage.

The THAAD system is a mobile defense unit designed to intercept short- and intermediate-range missiles. Its addition to Israel’s defenses will help protect cities, troops, and critical infrastructure. Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder emphasized that this move demonstrates the U.S.’s commitment to Israel’s defense.

It will take at least a week for the THAAD battery and the troops to arrive in Israel. This deployment follows other U.S. military actions in the region, including setting up a temporary pier off Gaza’s coast earlier this year to expedite humanitarian aid and sending thousands of U.S. troops to the Middle East in response to escalating tensions.

There have been ongoing discussions within the Pentagon about whether the increased U.S. military presence is effectively containing the conflict or potentially worsening it. Some officials have raised concerns about the impact of this deployment on the U.S. military’s readiness to handle other global threats. Despite these concerns, the U.S. continues to support Israel, including recent strikes targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon.