Israel is rapidly burning through its stockpile of Arrow interceptors used to defend against long-range Iranian ballistic missiles, raising urgent concerns in Washington and Jerusalem about the sustainability of missile defense operations.

A U.S. official confirmed to The Wall Street Journal that Israel's interceptor capacity is nearing critical levels. “Neither the U.S. nor the Israelis can continue to sit and intercept missiles all day,” warned Tom Karako, director of the Missile Defense Project at CSIS.

U.S. Bolsters Israel’s Air Defenses

Since the conflict escalated in early June, the Pentagon has deployed extensive missile defense assets to the region, including naval-based Aegis systems and air-launched interceptors. However, both nations now face the risk of running low on critical systems unless the conflict deescalates or production is ramped up.

Israel Aerospace Industries, which produces the Arrow system, did not comment. The IDF issued a statement saying only, “The IDF is prepared and ready to handle any scenario,” but declined to address munitions levels.

Strategic Debate: Defense vs. Offensive Resolution

The growing shortage is shifting pressure back onto strategic planners. Experts say Israel and its allies may soon be forced to rely less on intercepting missiles and more on pre-emptive or retaliatory strikes—raising the stakes for regional escalation.

The concern in Washington is not just about Israel’s defenses, but about U.S. readiness in the broader Middle East if the war spills over.