WASHINGTON:
The United States military has announced plans to deploy more fighter jets and Navy warships to the Middle East. This move is aimed at strengthening defenses against threats from Iran and its allies, Hamas and Hezbollah. The Pentagon made the announcement on Friday, highlighting the growing tension in the region.
The US is bracing for possible retaliation from Iran after the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, a senior Hamas leader, two days ago in Tehran. This incident is part of a series of targeted killings of senior Palestinian officials amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has authorized the deployment of additional Navy cruisers and destroyers to both the Middle East and Europe. These vessels are equipped with the capability to intercept ballistic missiles. Additionally, an additional squadron of fighter jets will be sent to the Middle East to bolster the military presence.
According to a Pentagon statement, “Austin ordered adjustments to the US military posture designed to improve the protection of US forces, increase support for Israel’s defense and ensure that the United States is ready to respond to various eventualities”.
There has been speculation that the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group may not be replaced in the Middle East after its current deployment is completed. However, Austin decided to rotate to the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group as a replacement.
The Pentagon also indicated plans to increase readiness to deploy additional land-based ballistic missiles.
The US military had already stepped up deployments before April 13, when Iran launched an attack on Israeli soil using drones and missiles. However, the threat posed by Hezbollah in Lebanon presents unique challenges given the group’s extensive arsenal and proximity to Israel.
US President Joe Biden discussed new defense military deployments in support of Israel during a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday. The discussion focused on dealing with threats such as missiles and drones.
Both Iran and Hamas have accused Israel of orchestrating Haniyeh’s assassination and have vowed to retaliate. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the killing.
Haniyeh’s death is one of several targeted attacks on senior Hamas officials as the conflict between Hamas and Israel approaches its 11th month. There is growing concern that the conflict could escalate further across the Middle East.
Despite the tensions, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said the US does not believe escalation is inevitable. “We have been very direct in our messaging that we do not want to see heightened tensions and we believe there is one parameter here: a ceasefire agreement,” Singh said.
In a related development, an Israeli delegation is to travel to Cairo in the coming days to negotiate a ceasefire and a hostage release deal in Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed on Friday.
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