The United States is sending a missile defense system and deploying troops to Israel to strengthen its security against potential threats, including from Iran. However, the Biden administration has also expressed concerns about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, sending a letter to Israel demanding improvements or risk losing crucial security assistance.
The United States is deploying an air defense system and sending troops to Israel, a move hailed as forward-thinking by Vice Admiral James Syring, former director of the Missile Defense Agency. The Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery will bolster Israel's defense against ballistic missile attacks, particularly from Iran.
U.S. Moves Forward with Missile Defense Deployment and Humanitarian Concerns in Israel
The deployment underscores the U.S.'s commitment to Israel's security and highlights the growing threat posed by Iran's ballistic missile program. The move also comes amid heightened tensions in the region following the recent Hezbollah attack on Israel.
In a letter to Israel, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin expressed deep concerns over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. The letter demanded that Israel improve the delivery of aid to Gaza or risk losing crucial security assistance.
U.S. Moves Forward with Missile Defense Deployment and Humanitarian Concerns in Israel
The letter comes after Israel implemented measures that have significantly reduced the flow of aid into Gaza, including halting commercial imports and denying or impeding humanitarian movements. The U.S. believes these actions are exacerbating the already dire situation in Gaza.
The letter gives Israel 30 days to "reverse the downward humanitarian trajectory" and remain consistent with its obligations to the U.S. Failure to comply with these demands could violate existing U.S. law and have serious implications for U.S. national security policy.
U.S. Moves Forward with Missile Defense Deployment and Humanitarian Concerns in Israel
U.S. law requires the assessment of humanitarian aid delivery before providing military financing assistance to countries receiving U.S. weapons. President Biden issued a memorandum in February emphasizing that countries must adhere to international humanitarian law and provide written assurances of compliance under the laws of war.
Israel has defended its humanitarian response to the crisis in Gaza, stating that it has allowed significant amounts of aid to enter the territory. However, the U.S. argues that the recent decline in aid delivery is insufficient to address the urgent humanitarian needs of the population.
U.S. Moves Forward with Missile Defense Deployment and Humanitarian Concerns in Israel
Haifa, Israel, under missile fire from southern Lebanon on Sept. 30, 2024. (Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The U.S. has provided billions of dollars in security aid to Israel since the Hamas terrorist attack in October 2023. Israel is the largest recipient of U.S. foreign aid, receiving an average of over $3 billion in security assistance annually.
U.S. Moves Forward with Missile Defense Deployment and Humanitarian Concerns in Israel
A major component of security aid includes $500 million per year for joint U.S.-Israeli missile defense programs, including the Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow II. These systems have been critical to thwarting rocket and missile attacks from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran.
In addition to the THAAD battery, the U.S. has also sent military personnel and munitions to Israel. The assistance includes 13,981 120mm tank cartridges, 500 aircraft deliveries, and 107 sea shipments of over 50,000 tons of weapons systems.
According to the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health, over 40,000 people have been killed since the start of hostilities following the terror group's massacre of Israelis last October. Hamas killed 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped 257 hostages.
All 2.1 million people in Gaza are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance, and 1.9 million people are internally displaced, according to the International Rescue Committee. The situation is particularly dire due to Israel's restrictions on aid delivery and the ongoing conflict.
