NewsRescue
According to CNN, the Pentagon has ordered 2,000 Marines and sailors to waters off Israel’s coast as part of a “show of force” in the region, citing unnamed US sources. The decision comes amid a month of warfare between Israel and Palestinian militants that has killed thousands of lives.
The “rapid response force,” led by the elite 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is on its way to Israel on board the USS Bataan, an amphibious assault ship recently stationed in the Gulf of Oman, officials told the outlet on Monday. They didn’t indicate where the unit was going or if it would join the two US carrier strike groups that are currently in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The naval deployments are said to be intended to “send a message of deterrence to Iran and other countries.”
Separately, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin directed another 2,000 troops to prepare for a possible “medical and logistical support” mission in Israel on Sunday, according to numerous news outlets.
Pentagon officials, however, emphasised that the directive does not ensure direct US engagement in the battle with the Gaza-based militant group Hamas, saying that the White House “does not want to give the impression that American troops could become embroiled in a hot war.”
The Wall Street Journal, which broke the story first, also noted that the troops would be entrusted with “advising and medical support” and “aren’t intended to serve in a combat role.”
The 2,000 soldiers are presently stationed across the globe, including the Middle East and Europe, but have been ordered to deploy within 24 hours if necessary.
Though authorities stated that the measure would be aimed at “preventing a wider regional war,” it comes as some US politicians advocate for direct military intervention in the Middle East.
Last week, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham told CNN, “If there’s an escalation of this war against Israel, I’m blaming Iran, and it’s now time to put them on notice.”
