Tensions between Israel and Iran have escalated significantly, with the United States potentially joining the fray. According to reports, Israel’s air defenses can only continue to intercept Iranian ballistic missiles for less than two weeks without substantial additional supplies from the US or direct American involvement. This comes after Israel struck Iran last Friday, citing a preemptive move to prevent the development of a nuclear bomb.
Iran has responded with multiple waves of drone and missile attacks against Israel, prompting US forces to assist in intercepting the incoming projectiles. President Donald Trump has hinted that the US may join Israel’s bombing campaign, although no final decision has been made. Iran, however, has warned the US that any involvement would result in “irreparable” damage.
The cost of defending against these attacks has been substantial, with estimates suggesting that Israel’s missile defense could be costing as much as $285 million per night. Given the current pace of Iranian attacks, Israel may only be able to maintain its current level of air defense for 10 to 12 more days without resupplies from the US or deeper American involvement. This has led to concerns that Israel may need to begin rationing its air defense missiles as early as this week.
The Israeli air defense system is layered, with multiple systems in place, but it relies heavily on the Arrow system to shoot down heavy Iranian ballistic missiles. However, the country’s famed ‘Iron Dome’ is ineffective against Iran’s heavier ballistic missiles, according to Israeli missile expert Tal Inbar. Former senior Pentagon adviser Dan Caldwell notes that Israel’s Arrow and David’s Sling units likely used up many of their interceptors earlier this year, and these missiles are expensive and take a long time to produce.
As a result, it is likely that Israel and the US will need to start rationing their interceptors soon, according to Caldwell. This comes as President Trump has demanded Tehran’s “unconditional surrender,” boasting of uncontested US control of Iranian airspace and suggesting that killing Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei would be “easy.” Tehran, however, has declared that it will not back down in the face of coercion and has threatened to retaliate against any attack.
The situation remains volatile, with multiple media outlets suggesting that the US president may join the Israeli campaign against Iran at any moment. As tensions continue to escalate, the international community watches with bated breath, awaiting the next move in this delicate and potentially explosive situation. With the threat of retaliation hanging in the air, it remains to be seen how this conflict will unfold and what the consequences will be for the region and beyond.
