U.S. Concerned About Escalation in Middle East Conflict, Says Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin
The United States is expressing concern over the potential escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, fearing that it could spill over and imperil American military forces in the Middle East. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made these remarks on Sunday, emphasizing the need to protect U.S. troops and respond effectively.
Austin’s comments come in light of recent attacks on U.S. military bases in Iraq and Syria by Iranian proxies, as well as missile interceptions by the Navy from Yemen. Simultaneously, there has been increased fighting along the Israel-Lebanon border as Israel carries out military operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip in response to their attacks.
To address these concerns, the U.S. has deployed the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower carrier strike group to the Middle East, while the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group is stationed in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. The U.S. has also deployed the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense battery and Patriot battalions, capable of intercepting missiles.
Growing fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East were heightened following a missile launch from Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen last week. While it was initially unclear whether the intended target was a U.S. vessel or Israel, Austin’s statements on “This Week” indicate that the weapons were aimed towards the U.S.
Austin emphasized that the deployment of additional assets is meant to send a message to those who may seek to widen the conflict. He warned against taking advantage of the situation and stated that the U.S. retains the right to defend itself and will not hesitate to take appropriate action.
In addition, Austin pledged continued support to Israel, providing the military resources necessary. However, he advised Israel to adhere to the laws of war and take measures to protect civilians in Gaza. The Israeli campaign against Hamas has faced criticism for its alleged indiscriminate nature, with Palestinian officials reporting over 4,600 deaths in Gaza thus far.
Amidst these developments, Jordan’s King Abdullah II, a U.S. ally, condemned the conflict as “collective punishment of a besieged and helpless people.”
Responding to the accusations of civilian casualties, Israeli officials acknowledged the challenges posed by Hamas’ practice of embedding its operations within civilian areas. They stressed that Israel takes necessary precautions, but given the circumstances, civilian locations from which rockets are launched are also targeted.
Austin reiterated that the U.S. consistently reminds Israel of its obligations under international law. He emphasized the importance of accounting for civilians in the battle space, provided safe corridors for their evacuation, and facilitating the entry of humanitarian assistance.
Looking ahead, Israeli forces are expected to launch a ground invasion of Gaza, an operation that will intensify the conflict and increase casualties. Austin acknowledged the difficulties Israel will face in this endeavor due to the densely populated and urban nature of the territory. He highlighted the extensive network of underground tunnels utilized by Hamas, as well as the prevalence of improvised explosive devices and booby traps.
When questioned about Israel’s goals in the aftermath of the war, Austin stated that a systemic solution involving broader social and political reforms is necessary to address the decades-long enmity between Israelis and Palestinians. He emphasized the need for the international community to work together and proposed countering Hamas’ ideology with a better one, ultimately aiming to eradicate the organization from Gaza.
As the conflict persists, U.S. concerns remain high, emphasizing the importance of protecting American military forces and taking necessary measures to ensure stability in the region.