In a phone call on Sunday, President Biden reassured Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that military assistance is on its way to Israel to support its war against Hamas. This announcement was quickly followed by the Pentagon’s announcement of a deployment. The New York Times reports that Biden’s call also addressed the seizure of Israeli civilian hostages. “The president emphasized that there is no justification whatsoever for terrorism,” stated the White House, adding that “all countries must stand united in the face of such brutal atrocities.” Biden further promised that aid will continue to flow to Israel in the coming days.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced on Sunday that the Ford carrier strike group is en route to the Eastern Mediterranean. This major deployment includes various ships and warplanes, according to the AP. The centerpiece of the group is the Gerald R. Ford, the Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier, which has a crew of approximately 5,000. Accompanying the carrier are the cruiser USS Normandy and the destroyers Thomas Hudner, Ramage, Carney, and Roosevelt. The Pentagon is also bolstering Air Force F-35, F-15, F-16, and A-10 fighter aircraft squadrons in the area. The carrier group, originally based in Norfolk, was already in the region on its first deployment and recently conducted exercises in the Ionian Sea with Italy.
“The US maintains ready forces globally to further reinforce this deterrence posture if required,” stated Austin. A spokesman for Hamas criticized the US aid, as reported by the Times, claiming it demonstrates the Americans’ “active participation in the aggression against our people.” Israeli defense officials have specifically requested armaments from the US, as stated in the Washington Post. These requests include Iron Dome interceptors, small-diameter bombs, and rounds of ammunition for machine guns. Additionally, Israel has requested increased intelligence-sharing with the US regarding the military situation in southern Lebanon. (Read more US-Israeli relations stories.)
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