US deploys anti-balistic system to Israel

The Israeli military has announced that the U.S. has deployed the THAAD anti-ballistic missile defense system in Israel amid tensions with Iran.

Israeli Army Radio described the move as part of preparations for the expected Israeli response to Iran's recent missile attack.

While it is described as the "first" such deployment, the U.S. had announced a temporary deployment of THAAD in March 2019 as part of joint defense exercises. It remains unclear whether the current deployment is permanent.

THAAD, developed by Lockheed Martin, is a defensive weapon intended to intercept high-altitude short and medium-range ballistic missiles. The manufacturer claims THAAD is the only U.S. system designed to intercept targets both inside and outside the atmosphere.

Prior to THAAD, Israeli air defenses relied on three systems: Arrow for long-range, David's Sling for medium-range, and Iron Dome for short-range, all of which failed to intercept many Iranian missiles during the recent attack.

On Oct. 1, Iran launched an attack involving approximately 180 missiles. The Israeli army later acknowledged that the missile attack caused damage to some of its air bases, asserting that preparations for retaliation against Tehran were ongoing.

The Israeli army is reportedly preparing for possible action against Iran in coordination with the U.S., Israeli media reported yesterday.

Israel has "already decided on the type of response to Iran," though the exact timing remains undecided, according to Channel 12.

Channel 12 reported that the current THAAD deployment is part of Israel's preparations for what is described as a "major" strike against Iran.

Iran, menawhile, banned pagers and walkie-talkies on all flights almost a month after...