The U.S. Department of Defense is ramping up security assistance to Israel in response to recent deadly attacks by Hamas terrorists, according to Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh.
Increased Military Support
Five C-17 Globemaster III missions have been completed, delivering munitions and other assistance to meet Israel’s needs. Further deliveries are expected to continue. In addition, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has directed the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) to move into the region, reinforcing the U.S.’s commitment to ensuring Israel’s security.
“The department remains focused on three objectives: supporting Israel’s defense through security assistance, sending a strong signal of deterrence to any actors who might be thinking of entering the conflict and staying vigilant to any threats to U.S. forces,” Singh said.
Strategic Deployments
The 26th MEU’s movement follows Austin’s directive ordering the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group to join the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group in the Eastern Mediterranean. The 26th MEU, an adaptable military force composed of infantry, aviation and logistics components, is equipped to execute amphibious missions and respond to crises.
This deployment complements last week’s announcement of Air Force F-15 and F-16 fighter squadrons and A-10 attack squadrons being sent to the region.
Heightened Readiness
Austin has also placed approximately 2,000 personnel across various units on a heightened state of readiness to increase the department’s ability to respond in the Middle East. These forces would add key capabilities ranging from transportation to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. However, Singh emphasized that no decisions have been reached to deploy any of these forces at this time.
Continued Engagement with Israel
Since meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in Tel Aviv last Friday, Austin has remained fully engaged with Israel’s leaders as the U.S. works to ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself from further attacks.
During his visit to Tel Aviv last week, Austin condemned the “bloodthirsty, fanatical and hateful” attacks by Hamas terrorists and assured that U.S. support for Israel remains “non-negotiable”. He warned any country or group thinking about trying to take advantage of this atrocity not to do so.
“The world is watching,” he said. “So are we. And we aren’t going anywhere.”
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