Pentagon confirms anti-missile system and U.S. soldiers on the way to Israel

The Pentagon has confirmed that it is sending an anti-missile system to Israel "to strengthen its response capability against possible attacks from Iran," as well as U.S. Army soldiers to operate it.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said that President Joe Biden has authorized the deployment of a THAAD battery and the presence of U.S. military personnel in Israel.  

This measure "seeks to strengthen Israel’s air defenses following Iran’s attacks on April 13 and October 1st," according to Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder.  “This action underscores the unwavering commitment of the United States to the defense of Israel and of Americans in Israel against any further ballistic missile attacks by Iran,” the Pentagon stated in a press release.  The Pentagon spokesman recalled that this is not the first time that the United States has deployed THAAD batteries in the region.

Iran reacted by saying that the U.S. exposes its military forces sent to Israel to operate missile defense systems.  According to Iranian foreign minister Abbas Aragchi on his X platform account:  “We have made tremendous efforts in recent days to contain an all-out war in our region, but I say it clearly that we have no red lines in defending our people and interests.”