Israel’s capacity to intercept Iranian missiles may be exhausted in less than two weeks without significant military assistance from the United States or its direct involvement, according to media reports circulating in Washington.
The reports come as Tehran continues to launch waves of missile and drone attacks in response to Israel’s ongoing aerial bombardment of Iranian infrastructure and military sites. Iranian strikes have caused destruction in Tel Aviv, Haifa port and parts of West Jerusalem since the escalation began last Friday.
While Israeli officials frame their military operations as a pre-emptive measure to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, defence analysts warn of the growing strain on the country’s missile interception systems.
Sources cited in Israeli and American media claim that the cost of operating Israel’s sophisticated air defence systems — including Iron Dome, Arrow and David’s Sling — has soared to an estimated $285 million per night.
“They will need to select what they want to intercept,” the reports quote sources familiar with the defence situation as saying. “The system is already overwhelmed.”
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The United States is reported to be providing assistance to Israel in targeting and intercepting incoming missiles and drones. President Donald Trump has stated that the US might intervene militarily, but has yet to announce a definitive course of action.
Iran has responded to the US President’s remarks with fresh threats to American interests in the Middle East. In a statement on Wednesday, Tehran warned it could target American military installations in Iraq and Qatar, particularly those housing special forces.
Writing on social media platform X, Dan Caldwell, a former senior adviser at the US Pentagon, said: “It is therefore likely that Israel and the US are going to have to start rationing their interceptors soon (if they haven’t already).”
Caldwell also noted that the production of high-precision interceptor missiles is both costly and time-consuming.
While President Trump has reiterated that Israel has America’s “full support”, Tehran has responded defiantly. “We will not capitulate to anyone in the face of coercion,” Iran stated, vowing strong retaliation to any external aggression.
As the conflict enters its second week, concerns continue to mount over the sustainability of Israel’s defensive capabilities and the prospect of broader regional escalation.
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