On Monday, the United States Department of Defense announced that 2,000 troops are being told to prepare for a possible deployment to support Israel against Hamas terrorists. The designated troops will focus on advising and providing medical support.
The troops will be in the Middle East, Europe, and elsewhere, according to the Department of Defense officials.
According to reports, it's unclear under what circumstances the U.S. could deploy the troops or to where in the region. However, some Pentagon officials are worried about the Shiite Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah opening a second front against Israel.
On Sunday, in an interview with Sunday "60 Minutes CBA, President Joe Biden was asked if there would be American troops in combat in the Israel-Hamas war.
"I don't think that's necessary," he said. "Israel has one of the finest fighting forces in the country. I guarantee we're going to provide them with everything they need."
The Defense Department said Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant regarding Israel's operations to respond to Hamas' terrorist attack.
"The Secretary reemphasized the ironclad U.S. commitment to Israel's defense, as well as his commitment to deter any state or non-state actor seeking to escalate this war," a department readout stated. Last week, the Pentagon redirected the Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group to sail toward Israel after it completed an exercise with the Italian Navy.
The Navy also dispatched a second aircraft carrier, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, to the eastern Mediterranean to ensure conflict did not expand.
As Israel continues to face attacks from Hamas, the Pentagon continues to supply the Israeli government with ammunition for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The Israeli government has warned that it will soon enter the Gaza Strip and destroy the terrorist organization.
In Tehran, the Islamic Republic of Iran has warned Israel against a ground invasion.
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