The Pentagon announced on Friday that the U.S. will be moving a fighter jet squadron to the Middle East and maintaining an aircraft carrier in the region to strengthen its military presence and help protect Israel from potential attacks by Iran and its proxies. This decision follows a promise made by President Biden to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a recent phone call discussing new military deployments to defend against ballistic missiles and drones.
The U.S. is also deploying additional ballistic-missile-defense-capable cruisers and destroyers to the European and Middle East regions and is considering sending more land-based ballistic missile defense weapons. These actions come amidst concerns of escalating violence in the Middle East, particularly following recent attacks on leaders of militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah, which have sparked threats of retaliation.
Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III is ordering the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group, indicating the decision to keep a carrier in the region as a deterrent against Iran at least until next year. The Pentagon did not disclose the exact location of the fighter jet squadron or the type of ballistic missile defense system that will be deployed.
The U.S. is reaffirming its commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxy groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. Additional force movements and deployments are also being planned to provide more support to Israel and enhance protection for U.S. troops in the region. The U.S. Navy is also considering sending new ships to the Middle East.
Overall, this decision underscores the U.S. commitment to maintaining a strong military presence in the Middle East to safeguard its allies and protect against potential threats.
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