THAAD’s deployment, along with about 100 US soldiers, is meant to help defend Israel, which is weighing an expected retaliation against Iran.

The Israel Defense Forces announced the start of the ground operation early on Tuesday, hours after the Security Cabinet in Jerusalem approved the move.

Austin’s rejection came after Senator Elizabeth Warren told a mosque that the ICJ would find Israel guilty of genocide.

The two men previously met in Brussels in June.

'U.S. commitment to Israel’s security is steadfast and unwavering.'

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin meets with top officials in Israel, including Netanyahu.

'The US is committed to strengthening its strategic relationship with Israel. The administration is committed to Israel’s security and its right to self-defense,' Austin told Bennett.

'The regime in Tehran today poses a strategic threat to world security, the Middle East and the State of Israel,' Benny Gantz told Lloyd Austin.

Senators call on Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to partner with Israel to advance American defense technology.