Welcome to The Hill's Defense & NatSec newsletter{beacon} Defense &National Security Defense &National Security   The Big Story  What to know about the prized US air defense system heading to Israel The U.S. announced this week a major new air defense system for Israel along with the deployment of 100 American troops, a development that will bolster Israeli security but potentially put American forces at risk.   © Staff Sgt. Cory D. Payne/U.S. Air Force via AP President Biden said the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery was meant “to defend Israel,” following Iran’s barrage of 180 ballistic missiles aimed at the country on Oct. 1. The U.S. ally is now weighing a retaliatory strike.   The Pentagon has described the deployment as part of larger adjustments the U.S. military has made in recent months “to support the defense of Israel and protect Americans from attacks by Iran and Iranian-aligned” groups in the region, according to press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.   But a U.S. military deployment to Israel is unusual, with American troops generally aiding its ally’s defenses from Navy ships and fighter jets based outside the country — as it did when Iran attacked earlier this month as well as in April.   Defense experts believe the move could be an attempt to defuse tensions, as it might deter both Israel and Iran from larger retaliatory strikes.   “It might bind Israel from taking extreme steps, knowing that by doing so, they might [put] U.S. troops in harm’s way,” said Eugene Finkel, a professor of international affairs at Johns Hopkins University.  The deployment also signals to the Iranians that “now they will have to deal with this extra layer of protection,” he added.  THAAD, one of the most prized U.S. defense systems, can take out short, medium and intermediate-range ballistic missiles and is a critical part of the U.S. military’s layered air defenses. It includes six truck-mounted launchers carrying eight interceptors each, a radar to detect incoming threats and usually takes 100 troops to operate.   It’s not clear when it will deploy in Israel, but its announcement comes as the country is considering a response to Tehran for its missile attack. The Washington Post reported Monday that Israel will not strike nuclear or oil sites and will instead aim for Iranian military targets, but that could still provoke a large response form Tehran.   Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was in a “more moderated place” in that discussion than he had previously been, the U.S. official told The Post, describing the call between the two leaders. The apparent softening of the prime minister’s stance factored into Biden’s decision to send a powerful missile defense system to Israel, both officials told the outlet. Read the full report at TheHill.com.  Welcome to The Hill’s Defense & National Security newsletter, I'm Ellen Mitchell — your guide to the latest developments at the Pentagon, on Capitol Hill and beyond.   Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here.   Essential Reads  How policy will affect defense and national security now and inthe future:  Ocasio-Cortez criticizes Biden administration over ‘unrestrained’ Israel governmentRep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) criticized the Biden administration on Monday over what she called an “unrestrained” Israeli government. “The horrors unfolding in northern Gaza are the result of a completely unrestrained Netanyahu gov, fully armed by the Biden admin while food aid is blocked and patients are bombed in hospitals,” Ocasio-Cortez said in a post on the social platform X. ”This is a genocide of Palestinians,” …  Full Story  Harris urges Israel to ramp up Gaza aid, citing UN food report Vice President Harris on Sunday pushed for Israel to ramp up aid to Gaza, citing a World Food Programme (WFP) report. “The UN reports that no food has entered northern Gaza in nearly 2 weeks. Israel must urgently do more to facilitate the flow of aid to those in need,” Harris wrote in a post on the social platform X. “Civilians must be protected and must have access to food, water, and medicine. International humanitarian law …  Full Story  North Koreans fighting in Ukraine alongside Russians, Zelensky says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Sunday that North Korean troops are now fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, appearing to confirm reports that have been circulating in recent weeks. Zelensky, in a video address, said there was an “increasing alliance” between Russia and North Korea, which are already cooperating on arms and technology. “This is no longer just about transferring weapons,” …  Full Story   On Our Radar  Upcoming things we're watching on our beat:  The Association of the United States Army will hold Day 2 of its annual conference, with attendance by top Army and Pentagon leaders. NATO defense ministers will meet for two days at NATO headquarters in Brussels beginning on Thursday. In Other News  Branch out with a different read from The Hill:Johnson: US is in ‘most dangerous situation since World War II’ House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said in an interview Sunday that the U.S. is in “the most dangerous situation since World War II,” citing the economy, global tensions and the southern border. “Everywhere I go, Kristen — and I go to blue states, and blue districts, swing districts — that the No. … Full Story   On Tap Tomorrow  Events in and around the defense world:  The Center for Strategic and International Studies will broadcast “Gaza: The Human Toll” at 9 a.m. Wilson Center will discuss Ukraine’s Energy Sector: Short-Term Threats and Long-Term Prospects” at 10 a.m. The Center for a New American Security will host a conversation on the Army’s role in the Indo-Pacific, with U.S. Army Pacific head Gen. Charles Flynn at 3 p.m. The Center for Strategic and International Studies will hold a talk on “Pentagon Priorities Amid Polycrises,” with Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks, at 3 p.m.  The Center for Strategic and International Studies will also hold a book discussion on “The War for Ukraine: Strategy and Adaptation Under Fire,” at 5 p.m.  What We're Reading  News we've flagged from other outlets: After barely meeting recruiting goal, Army aims to enlist thousands more soldiers in coming year (Military.com) China deploys record 125 warplanes in large scale military drill in warning to Taiwan (The Associated Press)  Trending Today  Two key stories on The Hill right now: Trump edges out Harris with early voters in battleground states  Former President Trump has a slight edge over Vice President Harris with early voters in battleground states, new polling shows, a promising sign for … Read more Watch live: Trump town hall in Pennsylvania Former President Trump is scheduled to appear at a town hall in Oaks, Pa., on Monday evening. During a Sunday rally in Prescott Valley, Ariz., Trump … Read more  Opinions in The Hill Op-eds related to defense & national security submitted to The Hill: Whether it’s natural or nuclear destruction, America must be prepared How the next president can be a ‘cheap hawk’ A path toward a nuclear off-ramp with Iran  You're all caught up. See you tomorrow!  Close Thank you for signing up! Subscribe to more newsletters here The latest in politics and policy. Direct to your inbox. Sign up for the Defense and National Security newsletter Subscribe