U.S. to Send Military Ships and Aircraft to Israel in Show of Support Amidst Escalating Conflict with Hamas
Washington, D.C. – In a show of support for Israel, the United States will be deploying multiple military ships and aircraft closer to the country, according to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The move comes as the Biden administration believes that Hamas’ recent deadly attacks were motivated by a desire to disrupt potential normalization of ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Over the weekend, Hamas fighters launched a series of attacks on Israeli towns, leading to the bloodiest day of violence in decades. In response, Israel carried out air strikes in Gaza, resulting in hundreds of casualties on both sides. The escalating violence has raised concerns about the outbreak of a major new war in the Middle East.
Amidst the conflict, it was reported that at least three Americans were among those killed. Defense Secretary Austin announced that the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, which includes a guided missile cruiser and four guided missile destroyers, will be moved to the Eastern Mediterranean closer to Israel. Additionally, the United States will augment their Air Force fighter aircraft squadrons in the region and provide munitions to Israel.
President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and assured him of additional assistance for the Israeli Defense Forces. Vice President Kamala Harris also held a call with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Secretary Austin updated Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on the U.S. responses and expressed support for the people of Israel.
A small group of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in New York City and near the White House, demonstrating their opposition to the U.S.’ support of Israel. Some protesters carried banners calling for an end to U.S. aid and stating that resistance is not terrorism. New York Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the planned demonstrations, describing them as “morally repugnant.”
The U.S. believes that Hamas’ attacks may have been aimed at disrupting efforts to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, as well as other countries in the region. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the threats to Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque, the ongoing Israeli blockade on Gaza, and Israeli normalization with regional countries as the likely motivations behind Hamas’ actions.
Netanyahu recently expressed optimism about the potential for peace with Saudi Arabia, which he believes has the power to reshape the Middle East. Saudi Arabia has long insisted on the establishment of a Palestinian state as a condition for recognizing Israel, a stance that has faced resistance from some members of Netanyahu’s coalition.
Despite the recent attack, the United States stated that efforts to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel should continue. U.S. Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer emphasized the importance of pursuing this possibility, given the interests of both countries.
Secretary Blinken condemned the attack on Israel as a “terrorist attack by a terrorist organization.” He noted that while relative calm has returned to most of Israel, intense fighting continues in Gaza, where weeks of protests have taken place due to long-standing grievances related to the Israeli military occupation, the Palestinian national cause, and economic hardships.
At this time, there is no evidence linking Iran to the recent attack, although Secretary Blinken acknowledged the longstanding ties between Iran and Hamas, the governing body in Gaza.
The United States’ decision to send military assets to Israel is intended to strengthen regional deterrence efforts and demonstrate unwavering support for Israel’s right to defend itself.
Reporting by Kanisha Singh, Idrees Ali, Steve Holland, Susan Heavey, Joey Roulette, Daphne Psaledakis, and David Brunnstrom in Washington; Editing by Heather Timmons, Lisa Shumaker, Mark Porter, and Diane Craft