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According to Bloomberg, the US Department of Defense is increasing its military presence in the Middle East, sending ships, fighter jets and anti-missile defense systems in response to threats from Iran, which wants to avenge the killings of the leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah. The Pentagon is taking these steps to support Israel amid rising tensions.
Biden’s Promise and Military Contingents
The day after the White House announced that President Joe Biden had promised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu new defense support, the Pentagon began implementing its plans. The deployment includes additional cruisers and destroyers capable of carrying ballistic missile defenses, as well as measures to increase readiness for the deployment of additional land-based missile defenses.
Strengthening of the Military Presence
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered an additional fighter squadron to be redeployed to the region and the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group dispatched. These measures are aimed at replacing the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, which is currently in the Gulf of Oman.
Challenges and Implementation
Although the deployment of the Lincoln aircraft carrier group, which is in the Pacific Ocean, will take several weeks, the threat from Iran could be realized much faster. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reported on negotiations with his American and British counterparts, assessing the current situation in light of recent events.
Escalation of the Conflict
The situation in the Middle East remains tense. The nearly 10-month-old war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip threatens to escalate into a larger conflict. The assassination in Tehran of Ismail Hania, the political leader of an Iran-backed group, has prompted threats of retaliation from Iran.
Call for Ceasefire
President Biden, while pledging defense support for Israel, also called for a ceasefire. In a conversation with Netanyahu, he emphasized the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities. “We have a basis for a ceasefire,” Biden said. “He has to move forward and they have to move forward now.”
US actions are aimed at protecting its ally in the region and deterring possible attacks from Iran. The deployment of additional forces demonstrates America’s determination to maintain stability in the Middle East, despite the complexity and tension of the current situation.
