Watch: Breaking: US Troops Arrive in Israel to Support Missile Defense System

A team of U.S. troops has arrived in Israel to support the operation of a missile defense system, the Pentagon confirmed. In a statement on Monday, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder announced that the team will operate a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery to protect against ballistic missile threats from Iran. This deployment follows two missile strikes by Iran on Israel amidst ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.

Ryder added that more U.S. military personnel and components of the THAAD battery will continue arriving in Israel over the next few days. While the system will soon be fully operational, the Pentagon did not disclose specific timelines due to security concerns.

Iran has warned that U.S. forces could be at risk if it carries out further attacks on Israel.