THAAD Deployment No Substitute for Action Against Iran

The U.S. deployment of a THAAD battery to Israel will help augment Israel’s air defenses and is a timely symbol of the U.S. commitment to Israel’s defense. Once the system is in place and operational, which Israeli sources tell JINSA could happen imminently, Israel can more confidently launch retaliatory strikes against Iran for launching 181 ballistic missiles against Israel in its October 1 attack. However, it remains unclear whether Washington only agreed to send the missile defense system in exchange for Israeli agreement to limit the targets or restrain the scope of their retaliation against Iran. But rather than de-escalating the conflict, as the Biden administration might hope, any such U.S. “bear hug” strategy will only prolong and exacerbate the fighting and undermine Israeli and U.S. credibility, emboldening Iran.

Instead, the United States should join Israel in militarily retaliating against Iran for its brazen October 1 attack. Further, the United States should provide Israel with missile defense interceptors, precision-guided munitions, and any other vital munitions that Israel needs for its war against the Iranian axis after its heavy use of interceptors against Iran-backed attacks over the past year. Meanwhile, U.S. officials should stop counterproductively speaking to the media about what Israel should or should not do in its retaliation against Iran. 

Click here to read the NatSec Brief.