• U.S. Defense Secretary Austin and his Israeli counterpart discussed deploying the THAAD missile defense system.
• The meeting took place at the Pentagon

This discussion reflects the United States' unwavering commitment to Israel's defense, especially in times of heightened regional tensions, a Pentagon spokesperson said.

Background Info: The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system is designed to intercept short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles. It plays a crucial role in missile defense by targeting threats both inside and outside the Earth’s atmosphere. U.S.-Israeli defense cooperation has a long history, especially following the 1970s. Israel already utilizes advanced U.S.-made defense systems like Iron Dome, and the potential THAAD deployment would further enhance its missile interception capabilities amid evolving regional security challenges.