The US To Send Israel Iron Dome Defense Supplies
The Pentagon Sends Israel Batteries for the Iron Dome
Overt Operator
October 25, 2023
In a recent development, a U.S. Department of Defense official confirmed with Fox News that the Pentagon is in the planning phase of sending Iron Dome missile defense systems to Israel, Defense News reported on October 25. Later on October 25, The Hill reported that the US intends to send Israel the batteries that pair with the Iron Dome missile defense system. This move comes as Israel continues to face missile attacks from the Gaza Strip by Hamas terrorists.
"The U.S. will be flowing additional Iron Dome support to Israel," the defense official stated:
"As a result, the Department of Defense is currently engaged in planning to support the provision of U.S. Iron Dome batteries to Israel."
The decision to send these defense systems follows the deadliest attack on Israel in 50 years, which occurred on October 7th. During this attack, Hamas terrorists launched over 3,000 rockets, drones, and conducted commando raids targeting Israeli cities, military bases, and infrastructure.
Despite the intensity of the attacks, Israel's air defense system, the Iron Dome, was able to neutralize approximately 90% of the incoming threats, according to the Israeli military. The Iron Dome was designed to protect Israeli civilians from rockets and mortars fired by militant groups in Gaza and Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon. It made its debut in April 2011 when it successfully intercepted a Grad rocket heading towards Ashkelon that was fired from Gaza.
The Iron Dome operates using a sophisticated radar system capable of detecting incoming projectiles from a distance of about 40 miles. It then calculates the trajectories of these projectiles and discerns their potential threats. If a rocket is deemed dangerous, the system fires a launcher containing 20 interceptor missiles to intercept and destroy the incoming threat.
The decision to send additional Iron Dome support to Israel has garnered bipartisan support in the United States. Last week, U.S. Representatives Jared Moskowitz and Brian Mast, both Florida Democrats, announced their intention to spearhead a bipartisan coalition urging the Department of Defense to transfer Iron Dome systems to Israel.
This move comes amidst growing concerns about Iran's involvement in attacks against U.S. troops. Pentagon officials have stated that these attacks bear "Iranian fingerprints all over." As tensions continue to escalate in the region, the U.S. Navy intercepted missiles heading north from Yemen, potentially towards Israel, highlighting the need for enhanced missile defense capabilities.
As the Pentagon engages in planning to support the provision of U.S. Iron Dome batteries to Israel, it is clear that both nations are working together to ensure the safety and security of Israeli civilians in the face of ongoing threats. The Iron Dome has proven to be an invaluable defense system, neutralizing the majority of incoming missile threats and providing a critical layer of protection for Israel.