The Pentagon announced on Sunday that the United States will send an advanced anti-missile system, along with approximately 100 troops to operate it, to Israel. This decision comes in response to recent attacks from Iran, notably on April 13 and October 1, aimed at bolstering Israel’s air defenses during a period of escalating hostilities in the region.

The system being deployed is the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery, which is specifically designed for anti-ballistic missile defense. Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, noted that this is not the first instance of the THAAD system being deployed to the Middle East. It was previously stationed in Israel for an exercise in 2019. However, the current deployment of US troops marks a significant step, especially amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran and fears of a potential Israeli strike on Iranian targets.

According to a US defense official, around 100 troops will be dispatched to operate the THAAD battery. While it is uncommon for US forces to be stationed inside Israel, this number aligns with what is typically required to manage the advanced anti-missile system. The THAAD system is expected to enhance Israel’s defense capabilities, particularly against potential retaliatory strikes from Iran following any Israeli military actions.

In the wake of Iran’s recent attacks, the US has been in consultation with Israel regarding its response strategies. US officials have emphasized that they do not wish for Israel to target Iranian nuclear facilities or oil infrastructure. During a recent phone call, US President Joe Biden urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ensure that any retaliation remains “proportional.”

Since the onset of heightened tensions following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, the US military has significantly increased its presence in the Middle East. The US has fortified air defenses across the region and deployed additional warships and aircraft carriers to the eastern Mediterranean, the Red Sea, and the Arabian Sea. Furthermore, additional troops have been sent to Cyprus to assist with evacuation planning if necessary.

As the situation unfolds, the deployment of the THAAD system and US troops underscores the ongoing commitment of the United States to support Israel’s security amid rising threats from Iran and its proxies.

Civil rights organizations filed a lawsuit against the state of Georgia on Monday, seeking to extend the voter registration deadline by one week following the disruptions caused by Hurricane Helene. The lawsuit, submitted in federal court by a coalition of civil rights groups, argues that the hurricane significantly impacted residents’ ability to register in time for the October 7 deadline.

Hurricane Helene made landfall just days before the crucial registration period, which typically sees a surge in voter sign-ups. According to the group’s attorneys, the “massive and widespread disruptions and devastation” inflicted by the hurricane likely prevented tens of thousands of Georgia residents from registering on time. They highlighted several barriers that residents faced, including lack of internet access, difficulties in traveling, limited postal services, and the closure of operational county election offices.

The civil rights coalition is advocating for an extension of the registration deadline until next Monday to accommodate those affected. Their request aims to ensure that all eligible voters have the opportunity to participate in upcoming elections without being hindered by the aftermath of the hurricane.

In response to the lawsuit, CNN reached out to the office of Georgia Republican Governor Brian Kemp for comment but has not yet received a reply.

Voting rights advocates have also been active in neighboring Florida, where they are urging Governor Ron DeSantis to extend the voter registration deadline. This plea comes amid concerns over Hurricane Helene’s impact and the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Milton, which is projected to affect the Tampa Bay area in the coming days.

As the registration deadline looms, civil rights groups are rallying to protect the voting rights of those impacted by the natural disaster. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for voter participation in Georgia, where access to the electoral process remains a critical issue.