The U.S. Department of Defense announced on Sunday that it will be sending an aircraft carrier strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean in response to Hamas’ attack on Israel.
A press release from U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III said the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group will be sent to the area.
“Today, in response to this Hamas attack on Israel, and following detailed discussions with President Biden, I have directed several steps to strengthen Department of Defense posture in the region to bolster regional deterrence efforts,” said Austin.
The strike group will include the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, which is the largest aircraft carrier in the world. Additionally, the Arleigh-Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Thomas Hudner, USS Ramage, USS Carney, and USS Roosevelt are all a part of the strike group that is being relocated, according to the Department of Defense (DoD)
Approximately 5,000 sailors will be aboard the strike group, which was already in the Mediterranean to conduct naval exercises with Italy, as reported by Time.
Austin added that the DoD is rapidly providing resources to the Israel Defense Forces, some of which are expected to arrive in the next few days.
“Strengthening our joint force posture, in addition to the material support that we will rapidly provide to Israel, underscores the United States’ ironclad support for the Israel Defense Forces and the Israeli people. My team and I will continue to be in close contact with our Israeli counterparts to ensure they have what they need to protect their citizens and defend themselves against these heinous terrorist attacks,” said Austin.
A separate press release issued by Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder confirmed Austin met with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant on Sunday.
The press release said Austin “reaffirmed the unwavering support of the United States for Israel’s right to defend itself and provided updates on U.S. actions in response.”
“Secretary Austin underscored these steps were taken to strengthen the U.S. military posture in the region to bolster regional deterrence efforts,” added Ryder, per the press release. “Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact in the days and weeks ahead.”
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Hamas carried out a surprising attack against Israel over the weekend, firing waves of rockets into the country and infiltrating southern towns using paragliders to cross the border, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that “the State of Israel has been at war” since the initial attack on Saturday morning, per The Dallas Express.
President Joe Biden addressed the situation on Saturday, claiming his “administration’s support for Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering.”
“The United States unequivocally condemns this appalling assault against Israel by Hamas terrorists from Gaza, and I made clear to Prime Minister Netanyahu that we stand ready to offer all appropriate means of support to the Government and people of Israel. Terrorism is never justified. Israel has a right to defend itself and its people. The United States warns against any other party hostile to Israel seeking advantage in this situation,” said Biden, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
