The US Department of Defense (Pentagon) announced that the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery, which it declared will be deployed against the Iran threat, along with military personnel, has arrived in Israel. Pentagon Deputy Spokesperson Sabrina Singh addressed questions during a daily press briefing. Singh stated that the THAAD battery and related US military personnel destined for Israel have arrived and mentioned that battery components will also arrive in the coming days, fully operationalizing the system. Regarding concerns about the deployment of troops to Israel potentially drawing the US into conflicts, Singh asserted that the aim was to provide a temporary air defense capability to enhance Israel’s defense, aligning with the US intention to reduce tensions. Responding to journalists highlighting the risk of personnel being targeted in a possible Iranian attack, Singh emphasized, “To be frank, we do not want a war with Iran or a broader regional conflict. Yet Iran-affiliated groups are already attacking us in Iraq, Syria, and the Red Sea. This deployment is a commitment to support Israel in defending itself.” When asked why the THAAD system was not deployed in Ukraine against Russian air strikes, Singh explained, “This is comparing apples to oranges. Different capabilities, different wars, different regions. Commitments to two countries are different. We have a long-standing partnership with Israel for its defense.” In a written statement issued on October 13, the Pentagon announced that around 100 military personnel, along with the THAAD battery system, would be sent to Israel to counter the Iran threat.

“We didn’t know the letter would come to light” During the press briefing at the Pentagon, the joint letter sent by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer was also discussed. While confirming the sent letter, Singh stated, “This was a personal and private correspondence. Therefore, I will not provide further details.” Despite persistent questioning by journalists, Singh explained that the fact the letter was on official letterhead did not mean it was intended for public consumption, saying, “Someone clearly felt the need to bring this private correspondence to light. We did not know this would be made public. I cannot provide further details on this matter.” US media reported that the joint letter signed by Blinken and Austin to their Israeli counterparts underscored the importance of allowing humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza to improve the situation, warning of possible suspension of certain military assistance to Israel otherwise. The letter dated October 13 emphasized the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and the importance of keeping humanitarian aid flows uninterrupted to improve the humanitarian conditions in the area. The US officials stressed the necessity, in the next 30 days, of ensuring humanitarian aid enters Gaza to enhance conditions in the region, highlighting that otherwise, according to the memorandum announced by President Joe Biden in February, a determination of violating relevant US laws would need to be made. According to section 620 I of the US Foreign Assistance Act, the US administration can suspend military aid to countries blocking humanitarian aid entries in crisis areas, especially in terms of food and medicine.

WHAT IS THE THAAD BATTERY, AND WHAT IS IT USED FOR? The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery is a defense system designed to identify and destroy short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles in their terminal phase of flight. Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the THAAD system generally serves as an interim solution to Scud and similar short and medium-range ballistic missiles but also possesses some defense capability against advanced and long-range intercontinental ballistic missiles. Using high altitude targeting and advanced radar technology, THAAD detects and intervenes in approaching threats. THAAD is utilized for the following purposes: Ballistic Missile Defense: THAAD is designed to destroy enemy ballistic missiles, particularly short and medium-range ones, after launch. High Altitude Area Defense: The system effectively provides defense by targeting threats at high altitude during the terminal phase of ballistic missile flight. Target Detection and Tracking: Using advanced radar systems, THAAD detects and tracks threats. Military Strategy: By enhancing a country’s defense capability, THAAD creates a deterrent effect against potential threats. Therefore, THAAD is considered a significant defense tool, especially for countries with regional security concerns.