Outdated Video Shared as the Recent Arrival of U.S. Troops and Air Defense Systems in Israel

Misbar investigated the circulating video and found it to be misleading, as it is outdated and does not depict the arrival of U.S. troops and air defense systems in Israel in preparation for an impending war with Iran.

U.S. Ambassador and Netanyahu Visited THAAD Deployment Site in 2019

The video dates back to March 6, 2019, capturing the visit of U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to a site in southern Israel during the deployment of the High Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) system amid training exercises.

At that time, media outlets reported that the system arrived in Israel accompanied by approximately 200 soldiers from U.S. European Command (EUCOM) to participate in a month-long exercise between the allied forces.

The training involved both the U.S. Air Force and Israeli forces, adhering to a dynamic force employment concept, which enhances readiness and interoperability within the region.

U.S. Deploys THAAD Missile System to Israel

The claim began circulating after the United States announced plans to enhance air defenses in Israel by deploying the THAAD system amid rising tensions with Iran and the ongoing wars in Gaza and Lebanon.

According to Pentagon spokesperson Army Brigadier General Pat Ryder, the first group of U.S. military personnel arrived in Israel last Monday, with additional forces and components of the THAAD system expected to follow soon. He noted that, "The battery will be fully operational capable in the near future, but for operations security reasons we will not discuss timelines."

The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed it would send the THAAD system along with approximately 100 U.S. soldiers to operate the advanced air defense system, which is capable of intercepting short- and medium-range ballistic missiles.

U.S. officials stated that the THAAD missile defense battery will bolster Israel's air defenses following the Iranian missile attack on the country earlier this month.

THAAD Missile Defence System

The THAAD system is considered a complement to the advanced Patriot system in air defense. It is capable of defending a wider area and engaging targets at ranges between 150 and 200 kilometers (93 to 124 miles). THAAD is designed to destroy short- and medium-range ballistic missile threats that may be either within or outside the atmosphere.

The THAAD system will add another layer to Israel's air defenses, which already include separate systems designed to intercept long-range, medium-range, and short-range threats.

Western reports indicate that this deployment comes as Israel prepares for a military response to the attack launched by Iran on October 1, when approximately 180 missiles were fired at Israel.

Read More

Blinken Approved The Targeting Of Humanitarian Aid Trucks And Covered Israel’s Food Blockade On Gaza

This Video Does Not Show Recent Hezbollah Strike on Israeli Military Base