Jerusalem: Israel is facing a growing shortage of ballistic missile interceptors as its confrontation with Iran continues, according to a report by Semafor citing U.S. officials.
The report suggests that Israel entered the current conflict already running low on interceptors after expending a significant number during last summer’s clashes with Iran, placing additional strain on its long-range air defense systems.
U.S. officials said Israeli defenses have come under further pressure as Iranian missile attacks continue.
According to CNN, Iran has reportedly begun equipping some of its missiles with cluster munitions, a development that could accelerate the depletion of Israeli interceptor stockpiles by forcing air defense systems to engage more complex threats.
One U.S. official told Semafor that Washington had been aware for months that Israel’s interceptor capacity was limited, describing the situation as “something we expected and anticipated.”
While the United States does not currently face a similar shortage of its own interceptors, it remains unclear whether Washington will supply additional systems or munitions to Israel, a move that could potentially affect U.S. domestic reserves.
Despite the shortage concerns, Israel still maintains other defensive options against incoming threats, including the use of fighter jets and layered air defense systems.
However, interceptors remain one of the most effective tools against long-range ballistic missiles, while the Iron Dome system is primarily designed to counter shorter-range rockets and projectiles.
Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States possesses a “virtually unlimited” supply of munitions.
Nevertheless, defense analysts have long argued that American military stockpiles are lower than desired for sustained high-intensity conflicts, raising broader questions about the long-term sustainability of missile defense operations in the region.