The US Pentagon announced on Friday that it will bolster its military presence in the Middle East in response to escalating threats against Israel following recent assassinations of key Hamas and Hezbollah leaders. The Pentagon’s decision includes deploying a fighter jet squadron and keeping an aircraft carrier strike group in the region.
The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group will replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt, which was scheduled to return home. Additionally, the Pentagon will send more ballistic missile defense-capable ships and land-based defense systems to the region.
This move aligns with a promise made by President Joe Biden to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a Thursday phone call to enhance Israel’s defense capabilities amid rising tensions with Iran and its regional allies. The US is coordinating with international partners, including the United Kingdom and Gulf states, to intercept potential missile and drone attacks.
US leaders have expressed concern over the potential for broader conflict in the Middle East following Israel’s targeted assassinations of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. While Israel has confirmed responsibility for killing Shukr, it has not officially commented on Haniyeh’s death, which Hamas, Iran, and their allies attribute to Israel.
In anticipation of potential retaliation, the Pentagon has directed additional resources to the region, ensuring that US forces are prepared to defend Israel and protect American troops. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the importance of these deployments to deter further aggression and safeguard regional stability.
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