U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has informed Israel about current and upcoming changes to American military presence in the Middle East, the Pentagon announced on Friday, amid threats from Iran and its allies, Hamas and Hezbollah.
The Pentagon noted that Austin has not yet made a final decision on which forces will be deployed. Officials told Reuters that a broad range of options is being considered, including air and naval assets.
The anticipated changes come as the United States prepares in response to threats from Iran following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh two days ago in Tehran, and a series of high-profile eliminations of Palestinian militant figures.
Secretary Austin held a phone call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant while fighting between Israel and Hamas continues in Gaza.
Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh told reporters that “Secretary Austin informed the minister that additional Pentagon measures will include ongoing changes in the positioning of U.S. forces to support Israel’s defense.”
Singh added that President Biden and the Secretary of Defense have expressed their commitment to increasing defensive forces in the region.
It remains unclear if the American preparations are as extensive as they were prior to April 13, when Iran launched a drone and rocket attack against Israeli territory. The Israeli military successfully intercepted nearly all of the approximately 300 rockets and drones, with the assistance of the U.S. military and other allies.
In a call with Prime Minister Netanyahu on Thursday, President Biden discussed new American deployments to support Israel against missile and drone threats, the White House reported.
Iran and Hamas have accused Israel of the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and vowed retaliation against their enemy. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility.
Spokeswoman Singh said that the United States does not wish to see a broader regional conflict and does not believe that escalation is inevitable.
