The United States is sending military ships, aircraft, and munitions to Israel in support of the country after an attack by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas. The attack left more than 1,000 people dead on both sides, including American civilians.
The United States is the largest single supplier of military equipment to Israel. The Biden administration is sending:
- The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R.
- The Ford carrier strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean
- Additional military assistance to Israel
- Munitions to Israel
The United States is also providing diplomatic support to Israel. President Biden told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that military assistance is on its way to Israel and more will follow in the days ahead.
The warships include the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), as well as the Arleigh-Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS Carney (DDG 64), and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80).
“In addition, the United States government will be rapidly providing the Israel Defense Forces with additional equipment and resources, including munitions,” Austin said.
“The first security assistance will begin moving today and arriving in the coming days.” Lloyd said the U.S. maintains ready forces globally to further reinforce this deterrence posture if required.
“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,” the statement said. “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.”
President Biden has aggressively affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself in the wake of Saturday’s surprise attack, which has so far killed at least 600 Israelis and wounded at least 2,000 more.
The Pentagon has not clarified whether it would use military force to assist Israel in the conflict. Israel formally declared war on Hamas on Sunday, its first such declaration since 1973.
