They are equipped with radar systems and missile interceptors capable of countering Iranian ballistic missiles and drones. The US is also experiencing a shortage of missile interceptors, which are costly to manufacture and hard to restock. Pentagon assessments conducted earlier in the war showed that US forces have “shouldered the brunt of defending Israel from Iranian ballistic missiles.” Washington has used more of its defensive weapons, including the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) and naval interceptors, to defend Israel from Iranian missile and drone attacks than Israel has used of its own interceptor stocks. “Israel has no interest in joining the campaign – the current situation is the best for us,” Smotrich said on Tuesday.