Although its objective is “defensive” in nature, the Sending military personnel and a powerful anti-aircraft battery to help Israel in its conflict with Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran is viewed with some reservation in Washingtonwhere there is concern about an escalation of the war that will drag the United States into the conflict just weeks before the presidential elections between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.
According to the criteria of
This weekend, the Joe Biden administration announced the deployment to Israel of a High Altitude Defense System (or THAAD for its acronym in English) and at least one hundred soldiers who will be in charge of operating the battery.
Although the United States already has some personnel on the ground – and previously sent personnel to the construction of a temporary port in Gaza – It is the first time since the conflict with Hamas broke out in Gaza on October 7, 2023 that Washington has put “boots on the ground” for the defense of Israel.
Why does the sending of THAAD suggest the imminence of a dangerous frontal war between Israel and Iran?
The THAAD, on the other hand, is the “crown jewel” of the anti-aircraft systems that the United States has to counter ballistic missile attacks, which would indicate that There are fears that the conflict with Iran is about to become a dangerous open war.
“This action underscores the United States’ unwavering commitment to the defense of Israel and to the defense of Americans in Israel from any new ballistic missile attack by Iran. It is part of the broader adjustments the U.S. military has made in the last few months to support Israel’s defense and protect Americans from attacks by Iran and Iranian-aligned militias,” said U.S. Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder, announcing the news.
The deployment coincides with two new developments that would also be related.
Two weeks ago, Tehran launched nearly 200 missiles at Israel in retaliation for Tel Aviv’s offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Although there was not much significant damage – most of the missiles were intercepted or fell in vacant areas – certain cracks were detected in the Israeli defense system that could crack in the event of a large-scale attack or with even more powerful ballistic missiles.
Since then, in addition, the world has held its breath before the expected response of the government of Benjamin Netanyahu, who has promised a devastating and direct counteroffensive against Iran.
Netanyahu’s promise to Biden
After several days of intense speculation, this Monday it emerged that Netanyahu would have committed to Biden not to attack nuclear power plants or oil reserves – as was being considered – but only military targets.
For the Biden-Harris administration, an attack of that magnitude could unleash an open war between these two great powers and with a high potential of resulting in a regional conflict.
Something that they try to avoid at all costs, not only because of its destabilizing effect but because of its impact on the current American presidential campaignwhich remains very tight and could tilt if a war breaks out with Iran that would undoubtedly end up involving Washington.
The sending of THAAD simultaneously with the promise of a more measured response from Israel seems to have a certain relationship.
But given that Tel Aviv’s retaliation promises to be capital, it also anticipates another shower of Iranian missiles, for which they want to be prepared.
Military warns about the risks of the decision
The decision, of course, is fraught with risks and generates many disputes not only within the administration but among a sector of the Democratic party.
Several media outlets in the United States, including the Washington Post and the New York Times reported about internal discussions among senior Pentagon officials over whether the increased US military presence in the region is containing the war, as they hoped, or inflaming it.
According to reports, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles Brown, has expressed concern in several meetings with the White House about an Israeli strategy apparently designed to expand its war against Hezbollah – a militia supported by Tehran – knowing that the United States The United States will have no choice but to defend them if Iran enters the conflict fully.
In the White House there is agreement that Benjamin Netanyahu is taking advantage of the electoral context in the United States to increase his offensive, Well, he calculates that Joe Biden – and Harris as a candidate – have no different option even if this generates disputes with a more left-wing sector within the party.
The military, furthermore, fears that a An expanded US presence in the Middle East would weaken the availability of resources to respond to other equally serious threats that could come from Russia or China.
Donald Trump versus Harris: the crossroads that can tip the balance in the race for the White House
Biden and Harris, with lip service, continue to insist that support for Israel is unrestricted. And the president reiterated it this weekend when commenting on the shipment of the anti-aircraft battery.
However, it is evident that the situation poses quite a crossroads and at the worst possible time.
This weekend, in fact, the Democratic representative to the House of Representatives, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, launched herself against the Biden administration for “emboldening” with its decisions a Netanyahu government that in her opinion is out of control. control.
This is a genocide of Palestinians and the United States must stop allowing it. Arms embargo now
“The horrors unfolding in northern Gaza are the result of a completely unrestrained Netanyahu government, fully armed by the Biden administration, while food aid is blocked and patients are bombed in hospitals,” Ocasio-Cortez said. through the social platform X.
“This is a genocide of Palestinians and the United States must stop allowing it. Arms embargo now,” the representative added.
Although his position only reflects that of a minority sector of the party, it is still a problem because it is one that has a lot of echo among the country’s young people and other minorities, such as Arabs, who need Harris and the Democrats if they want to win. the elections next November 5.
SERGIO GÓMEZ MASERI
EL TIEMPO correspondent
Washington
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