Israel is running low on defensive interceptors: official
A shortage of Arrow interceptors has set off a scramble to augment Israel’s defenses
Israel has started to run low on its supply of Arrow interceptors, used for countering long-range ballistic missiles from Iran.
The US has been aware of the capacity problems for months, the official said, and Washington has been augmenting Israel's defenses with systems on the ground, at sea and in the air, reports the Wall Street Journal.
Since the conflict escalated in June, the Pentagon has sent more missile defense assets into the region, and now there is concern about the US burning through interceptors as well.
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"Neither the US nor the Israelis can continue to sit and intercept missiles all day," said Tom Karako, director of the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "The Israelis and their friends need to move with all deliberate haste to do whatever needs to be done, because we cannot afford to sit and play catch."
Israel Aerospace Industries, the company that makes Arrow interceptors, didn't respond to requests for comment. The Israel Defense Forces said in a statement: "The IDF is prepared and ready to handle any scenario. Unfortunately, we are unable to comment on matters related to munitions."
