POLITICS
Israel Gets a Helping Hand from the U. S.
ISRAELMon Oct 14 2024
The U. S. has decided to lend a helping hand to Israel by sending over a top-notch anti-missile system called THAAD. This system comes with a team of soldiers and advanced equipment like radar and interceptors. It's designed to protect against ballistic missiles that can travel up to 125 miles. This move comes at a crucial time when Israel is considering its response to Iran's recent missile attacks.
Retired Brig. Gen. Zvika Haimovich, who used to lead Israel's air defense, believes that Iran might launch even more missiles in the future. He thinks that THAAD, along with Israel's own Iron Dome defenses, will be essential in dealing with these attacks.
The U. S. has been supporting Israel's defenses against Iranian missiles for a while now, using warships and fighter jets. But having U. S. troops and equipment right there in Israel takes this support to a new level.
While THAAD might not have stopped the recent deadly drone attack by Hezbollah, it could still be a big help to Israel's stretched air defenses. These drones are small, low, and slow, making them tough to detect. Israel's defense forces are spread thin, dealing with all kinds of threats at once.
Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, isn't happy about THAAD coming to Israel. He thinks it puts U. S. troops at risk and warns that Iran won't hold back when it comes to protecting its people and interests.
Some experts think that President Joe Biden is sending a message to Iran with this move. He wants to show that the U. S. will do whatever it takes to protect Israel. But this could also make the situation in the region worse.
Even though THAAD and U. S. support might lighten Israel's defense load, it also shows that Israel might not be as strong as it seemed. Hezbollah is getting stronger, and Israel's need for help from its allies could make it look vulnerable.
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questions
Will the deployment of THAAD escalate tensions between Israel and Iran?
How effective will THAAD be in supplementing Israel's current defense systems like Iron Dome?
Is the deployment of THAAD part of a secret plan to further militarize the region?
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