The report said Israel entered the current conflict already facing a shortage of interceptors after using significant numbers during clashes with Iran last summer. Its long-range air defence systems have since come under further pressure due to ongoing Iranian missile attacks. According to CNN, Iran has also begun adding cluster munitions to its missiles, which could accelerate the depletion of Israel’s interceptor supplies.
A US official told Semafor that Washington had been aware for months that Israel’s interceptor capacity was limited, describing the situation as something US officials had “expected and anticipated.”
The official added that the United States is not currently facing a similar shortage of its own interceptor systems. However, it remains unclear whether Washington will supply or sell additional interceptors to Israel, a move that could potentially strain US domestic reserves.
“We have all that we need to protect our bases, our personnel in the region and our interests,” the official said, adding that Israel was working on possible solutions to address the shortage.
Although Israel has alternative defence measures, including the use of fighter jets, missile interceptors remain one of the most effective tools against long-range threats. The country also relies on systems such as the Iron Dome for short-range missile defence.
Earlier this month, Donald Trump said the United States possessed a “virtually unlimited” supply of munitions, though analysts have long suggested that US reserves are lower than what the military would ideally prefer.
During the 12-day war with Iran last June, the United States reportedly fired more than 150 interceptors from the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies. That number was believed to represent roughly one quarter of the US inventory at the time. Reports have also indicated that around $2.4 billion worth of Patriot missile system interceptors were used during the first five days of the current conflict.
In response to growing demand, the Pentagon began efforts in January to significantly increase production of THAAD missile defence systems. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the department currently has everything required to carry out missions at the direction of President Trump.
Meanwhile, Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, said US stockpiles remain “more than enough” to achieve Washington’s objectives against Iran and beyond. She added that operations conducted jointly by the US military and the Israel Defense Forces had already significantly reduced Iranian drone and ballistic missile attacks.
The Israel Defense Forces did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the Semafor report.
Despite President Trump’s statement that the war could end soon and describing it as a “short-term excursion,” the United States, Israel and Iran have all indicated they are preparing for the possibility of a prolonged conflict.
