Israel has informed the United States that it is running critically low on ballistic missile interceptors amid its ongoing conflict with Iran, according to a report by Semafor, citing US officials.
Strain on Israel’s Missile Defense Systems
Reports indicate that Israel entered the current conflict already short on interceptors, having used many during last summer’s clashes with Iran. Iranian attacks have further strained Israel’s long-range air defense capabilities. CNN reported that Iran has started equipping missiles with cluster munitions, which could accelerate the depletion of Israel’s interceptor stock.
Despite the shortage, Israel still has alternative defenses, including fighter jets, though interceptors remain among its most effective tools against long-range threats. Shorter-range threats are primarily handled by the Iron Dome system.
A US official told Semafor that Washington had anticipated Israel’s limited interceptor capacity for months. The official added that while the US is not facing a similar shortage, it remains unclear whether the US will provide interceptors to Israel, as doing so could put pressure on US domestic reserves.
US Support and Stockpiles
US President Donald Trump stated earlier this month that the United States maintains a “virtually unlimited” stockpile of munitions. However, analysts have noted that US reserves may still be below optimal levels.
During last June’s 12-day conflict with Iran, the US reportedly fired over 150 THAAD interceptors, representing roughly a quarter of the inventory at the time. Some estimates suggest that $2.4 billion worth of Patriot interceptors were used in just the first five days of the current conflict.
US Approves $179 Million Air Defense Package for Ukraine
In January, the Pentagon began efforts to increase THAAD production significantly. A US official confirmed that the administration still maintains sufficient THAAD systems, fighter jets, and mid-range interceptors. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell added that the department “has everything it needs to execute any mission at the time and place of” Trump’s choosing.
Following the Semafor report, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said US stockpiles are “more than enough” to meet Trump’s objectives against Iran and beyond. She cited data showing that Iranian drone attacks are down 95% and ballistic missile attacks are down 90%, emphasizing the effectiveness of US and Israeli military efforts.
Preparing for a Prolonged Conflict
While Trump has described the conflict as a “short-term excursion” that could end soon, officials from the US, Israel, and Iran have all indicated preparations for a potentially prolonged war. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not immediately respond to requests for comment, leaving ongoing uncertainty about the status of Israel’s defensive readiness.
The report highlights the critical challenges Israel faces in sustaining its missile defense capabilities amid escalating regional tensions and raises questions about how closely the US will support Israel’s interceptor needs in the coming months.
