WASHINGTON, D.C.- The United States is swiftly mobilizing resources to support Israel in anticipation of a significant ground operation in the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. As part of this support, the Pentagon is dispatching military advisers and sophisticated air defense systems to Israel.
Leading this assistance effort is Marine Corps Lt Gen James Glynn, a distinguished officer with a remarkable track record, notably in combating the Islamic State and during intense combat in Falluja, one of the most challenging battlegrounds for U.S. forces during the Iraq war.
Lt Gen Glynn’s role extends to advising on strategies to minimize civilian casualties during urban warfare, underscoring the U.S. commitment to mitigating the humanitarian impact of the conflict. This initiative comes as Israel prepares for a large-scale ground operation against Hamas militants entrenched in Gaza, armed with extensive tunnel networks and strategic traps throughout densely populated northern Gaza.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, in a White House briefing, emphasized that the military officers advising Israel possess expertise suitable for the complex operations required in this conflict. Importantly, these U.S. advisers will not directly participate in combat operations.
The swift deployment of military resources, both in terms of personnel and advanced air defense systems, is a crucial element of the Pentagon’s strategy to prevent the ongoing conflict from escalating into a broader regional war. Additionally, these measures aim to safeguard U.S. personnel, who have faced repeated attacks in Iraq and Syria, primarily involving armed drones, which the Pentagon believes may be supported by Iran.
Kirby pointed out that Iran, in some cases, has actively facilitated such attacks and encouraged other actors to exploit the ongoing conflict. The U.S. is committed to countering such threats and ensuring that Iran is held accountable for its actions.
Recent incidents have underscored the urgency of these measures. The U.S. military garrison at al-Tanf, Syria, recently came under attack by two drones. The U.S. destroyer USS Carney intercepted and destroyed four land-attack cruise missiles launched from Yemen, believed to be potentially targeting Israel.
In response to these challenges, the Pentagon has taken decisive steps, including sending multiple Patriot missile defense system battalions and a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system to the Middle East. The U.S. Navy has repositioned the aircraft carrier Eisenhower-led strike group to the U.S. Central Command (Centcom) area of responsibility, reinforcing the defense capabilities in the region.
The presence of the Ford carrier strike group off the coast of Israel, along with the Eisenhower carrier strike group, enhances the defense posture, providing a substantial deterrent against potential threats. The U.S. is resolute in taking all necessary measures to safeguard its forces and prevent the escalation of the regional conflict, ensuring the stability of the region.
As these dynamic developments unfold, the international community closely watches the situation, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic efforts and crisis management in this ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
