Israel faces shortage of air defence missiles amid Hamas, Hezbollah attacks: report

Israel is facing a severe shortage of interceptor missiles for its air defense system amid increased attacks from Hamas and Hezbollah, according to the Financial Times.

Citing industry sources and defense analysts, the newspaper reports that Israel's stockpile of missiles is depleted, making it vulnerable to potential attacks from Iran.

The US is providing Israel with the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system to address the shortfall.

“Israel’s munitions issue is serious,” said Dana Stroul, a former senior US defence official with responsibility for the Middle East. “If Iran responds to an Israel attack [with a massive air strike campaign], and Hizbollah joins in too, Israel air defences will be stretched.” US stockpiles are not limitless, she added.

The official noted that the US does not have an unlimited supply of interceptor missiles and cannot maintain supply chains to Ukraine and Israel simultaneously.

Boaz Levy, CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries, confirmed that production is running around the clock to ensure missile supply.

Experts suggest Israel conserved interceptors during the October 1 Iranian missile attack due to concerns about potential follow-up attacks on Tel Aviv.