Escalation of Iranian Missile Attacks on Israel
The recent missile attack from Iran, targeting Israel, represents a serious uptick in hostilities between the two nations. This escalation occurs in a context where the balance of power across the region—long dominated by U.S. and allied forces—appears more uncertain than ever. Iran fired what some Israeli authorities are calling 180 missiles, but they may have launched even more than that. The missiles used were short-range ballistic missiles, primarily aimed at the city of Eilat and its sister cities.
Israel’s missile defense system is known to be the most sophisticated in the world. However, the concern now is that this missile attack sends a signal to Iran’s allies—like Hezbollah—that they may have a better chance against Israel than previously thought.
US Support: Enhancing Israel’s Air Defense with THAAD
The stakes have never been higher. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute affirms that global military expenditure reached an astounding $2 trillion in 2022, with a significant portion allocated to missile defense systems. This context raises questions about whether we are facing an adversary or existing in an atmosphere of mutual vulnerability. Experts from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) argue that even the most advanced defense systems pose no sure challenge to modern ballistic missiles.
In modern warfare, the missile assault on Israel is one of the largest, overwhelming the Iron Dome—a practically perfected defensive shield—and pushing U.S. forces very close to the action. They are deploying the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system somewhat surreptitiously to help cover up the Israeli-Hamas-Katyusha conflict from civilian eyes. Each interceptor can cost about $10 million and can only cover a distance of about 7 miles. Despite the shield’s sophistication, the threat was not neutralized, as at least some of the 300 missiles that hit Israel inflicted significant damage, including casualties and the exhausting of the Israeli civil defense reserve built up since the 1973 war.
THAAD System: A Game-Changer in Missile Interception
Iran has made major strides in its missile capabilities, posing a serious and direct threat to Israel and its partners. The payoffs from mix-and-match defenses against mixed-ballistic threats remain uncertain, and these systems could be financially unsustainable. The use of U.S. military personnel at missile defense sites in Israel raises not just budgetary but also geopolitical issues that American and Israeli politicians need to address.
On balance, employing intermediate-range missile defenses in Israel against Iranian threats may be better than the alternatives considered thus far, but both sides are still in search of the right frameworks and strategies to justify such actions. Ultimately, what both sides need to develop is a way to attain long-term peace and operative security without escalating military budgets to World War II levels.
Interoperability and Risks: US Troops in Israel’s Defense
Some might argue that existing missile defense systems, such as the Iron Dome and Arrow 3, are adequate for intercepting incoming missiles directed at Israel. However, recent events have shown that even the most advanced systems can be overwhelmed. If sufficiency is the standard, then both the Iron Dome and Arrow 3 should be regarded as “good enough” solutions. Yet, these sophisticated systems do not guarantee safety for those living beneath them.
Of course, no defense can be foolproof, and Israelis have long been encouraged to pray for and work toward peace as a means of securing their future. But what about peace as a process?
For the typical reader, these developments signal positive changes. They enhance safety and stability, reducing the likelihood of military action and regional conflict. This brings relief to civilian populations, who often bear the brunt of military action, and alleviates the financial burden of sustaining these systems, which can detract from vital services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Iran’s recent missile strikes against Israel underscore the urgent need to rethink and reassess defense strategies in the region. The sophisticated, large-scale strikes against our military ally utilized modern munitions and could have caused massive damage had the Iranian forces not suffered from serious planning and execution problems. Our intelligence agencies could miss a similar attack against us and our allies unless we improve our understanding of Iran’s intentions.
Our current historical moment is precarious, and the United States cannot allow this to affect national security. However, securing the U.S. cannot rely solely on military operations. Achieving peace and security for our friends and allies requires a balanced approach that includes diplomacy and development alongside military operations.