United States: The US Defense Secretary, Mr. Lloyd Austin, announced that a second carrier strike group and Air Force fighter jets are being sent to the eastern Mediterranean Sea. This move comes as Israel gears up to escalate its operations in Gaza.
The US warships heading to the region aren’t meant for involvement in the Gaza conflict or Israel’s operations. Instead, they’re there to send a strong message of deterrence to Iran and its representatives, like Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Mr. Austin stated that these movements aim to prevent hostile actions against Israel or any escalation of the conflict after Hamas’s attack on Israel.
Last week, the USS Gerald R. Ford led the first carrier strike group that arrived off the coast of Israel.
The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower strike group left Norfolk, Virginia, and is now en route to the eastern Mediterranean. Initially, the aircraft carrier was supposed to sail to the waters under US-European Command.
According to the statement, the Eisenhower, serving as the flagship of the carrier strike group, will be accompanied by a guided-missile cruiser and two guided-missile destroyers.
The Eisenhower has a capacity for over 60 aircraft, including F/A-18 fighter jets. On the other hand, Ford can deploy more than 75 aircraft.
The Biden administration clarified that the carrier and its accompanying force are not present to participate in combat activities on behalf of Israel.
Mr. Austin has shared on X that “And in Israel, I met with Prime Minister Netanyahu & Minister of Defense Gallant to underscore our commitment to Israel’s security in the wake of Hamas’ horrific terrorist attacks. We have Israel’s back and will ensure they have what they need to defend themselves.”
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