2,000 troops in Middle East on standby, says Pentagon.

The U.S. Department of⁤ Defense (DoD) is getting‌ troops ready to deploy to the Middle ​East as the ⁢ongoing war ⁢between Israel and ⁣Hamas intensifies, according to the Pentagon. U.S. Defense Secretary⁣ Lloyd Austin has ordered approximately 2,000 personnel and various units to be on high‌ alert and prepared to deploy. This move enhances the DoD’s‍ ability to swiftly respond to the changing security situation in the Middle ⁤East.

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However, it should be noted that no decision has been made yet to⁤ actually deploy forces. Secretary ⁢Austin will continue to assess‍ the force posture and maintain close communication‍ with allies ⁤and⁢ partners. Earlier, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh had ⁢declined to⁢ confirm reports about⁤ the​ potential deployment⁢ of 2,000 troops to support Israel.

Currently, there are military personnel on the ground‍ in an advisory and assistance role, primarily focused on hostage recovery. The exact number of personnel present has not been disclosed. Secretary Austin ‌had ⁤previously sent the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier‌ Strike Group to the region, which ⁣includes the world’s largest ⁤aircraft carrier. He stated on October 13 that U.S. fighter aircraft squadrons in⁢ the Middle East have been reinforced, and the Department of Defense is fully prepared to deploy additional assets if necessary.

Secretary​ Austin recently visited Israel, where he met with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. During the meeting, Mr. ‍Gallant briefed Secretary ‍Austin on strategic developments following the Hamas incursion into Israel, which ⁤resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 Israelis and ⁣numerous injuries.⁣ Hamas terrorists also took Israeli hostages. Secretary Austin expressed America’s unwavering support for Israel⁤ and extended his deepest ‌condolences to the ​Israeli people. He emphasized that the United States, as the ⁣most powerful country in the world, is fully ‌capable of projecting power and fulfilling its commitments in multiple theaters, including standing with Israel and Ukraine.

Mr. Gallant stated that the U.S. deployment of assets sends a strong message⁢ to‌ both allies and enemies in the⁢ region.⁣ Secretary Austin has ​been in daily contact with Mr.⁤ Gallant since their meeting.

President Joe ⁣Biden is scheduled to visit Israel on Wednesday to demonstrate further support from his administration. Secretary of State Antony Blinken,⁣ after discussing with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stated that President Biden will listen to Israel’s needs ‌for defending its people. Additionally, President Biden will seek information on how Israel plans to carry out operations while minimizing civilian casualties and ​allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza without benefiting Hamas.

Israel has vowed to eradicate the Hamas movement that controls Gaza, following a rampage by Hamas‍ terrorists through southern Israeli towns on October 7, resulting in the deaths of around 1,300 people, mostly civilians.‌ In response, Israel has conducted airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths ⁤of over 2,800 Palestinians. The blockade imposed by Israel has severely limited the availability of food, fuel, and medical supplies in Gaza.

Efforts are being made ⁤to deliver vital supplies to Gaza through the Rafah crossing ⁢in Egypt, the only access point outside of Israel’s control. However, it remains uncertain whether these supplies will be allowed to enter. Egypt has indicated that it may permit medical evacuations but rejects a‍ mass exodus, considering ⁣it an expulsion of Palestinians from their land.

Secretary Blinken mentioned that Prime Minister Netanyahu has agreed⁣ to develop a plan for delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza⁤ civilians, although⁣ specific details were not provided. President Biden is also expected to meet with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority, during his visit to the ​Middle East.

The Palestinian Authority currently exercises limited self-rule in the⁢ Israeli-occupied West​ Bank but lost control of Gaza to Hamas in 2007.

Reuters contributed to this report.

What​ factors prompted the Pentagon to order troops to ⁢be on⁤ high⁤ alert and prepared to deploy in response ‍to the ongoing war between Israel⁢ and Hamas?

Austin’s decision to order troops ⁢to be on high alert ⁤and prepared to deploy demonstrates the U.S. Department of Defense’s commitment to the region ​and its readiness to respond swiftly to changing security situations. The ongoing war between ​Israel and Hamas has intensified, ⁢prompting the Pentagon to take proactive measures ⁣to ensure the safety and security of‌ its allies.

It is important to‌ highlight that no final decision has been made to deploy forces ‍yet.‍ Secretary‌ Austin ⁤will continue to assess the force posture and maintain close communication with allies and partners. The potential‍ deployment of 2,000 troops to support Israel, which⁤ was reported earlier,‌ has not been confirmed by Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina ⁤Singh.

Currently, there ⁤are ‍military ‌personnel on the ground in an advisory and assistance role, primarily focused‌ on hostage recovery. The exact number of personnel⁤ present has not been disclosed. Additionally, Secretary Austin had​ previously sent the USS ‍Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to the region, showcasing‍ the United States’ commitment to maintaining stability in the Middle East.

Secretary Austin’s recent visit to Israel and meeting with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant further solidified the strong alliance between the two nations. Mr. Gallant briefed Secretary Austin on⁢ the strategic developments ⁢following the Hamas incursion into Israel, which resulted in ⁢significant casualties and hostage situations. Secretary Austin expressed the United States’ unwavering support for Israel and extended his condolences to the Israeli people.

The ‍deployment of U.S. assets⁤ sends a strong message to both allies and enemies in the region. It reinforces America’s commitment to‌ standing with and supporting its allies. Secretary Austin emphasized ⁣that the United States, as the most powerful ‌country in the world, is‍ fully capable of projecting⁤ power and ‌fulfilling its commitments in multiple theaters, including standing ​with Israel and​ Ukraine.

As the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, the U.S. Department of Defense ⁤remains⁣ prepared and vigilant. The troops being readied ‌for deployment will enhance the DoD’s ability to⁢ respond effectively and efficiently to any security ⁢challenges that may arise. It is ​a demonstration of the United States’⁣ commitment to maintaining peace, stability,‌ and security in the Middle East and supporting its allies in times of need.