On Tuesday evening, a plane transporting advanced US weaponry intended for supporting major military operations arrived at the Nevatim Airbase in southern Israel, according to the country’s defense forces. The delivery of US arms coincided with expectations of an escalation in the ongoing conflict, which has resulted in the loss of over 2,000 lives on both sides. The Israel Defense Forces, though, did not specify the specific types of weapons or military equipment received.
Israel has stepped up its offensive on the Gaza Strip in response to an unprecedented attack by Hamas, pounding neighborhoods with airstrikes and expanding the mobilisation of reservists to 360,000. Less than two days after declaring war, the Israeli military said it had regained effective control over the Gaza border and areas Hamas attacked in the southern part of the country.
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US Arms Strengthening Regional Security
“We are grateful for the US backing and assistance to the IDF, and to the State of Israel in general, during this challenging period. Our common enemies know that the cooperation between our militaries is stronger than ever, and is a key part of ensuring regional security and stability,” the IDF said in a statement.
A day earlier, US Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said Congress would need to pass more funding for weapons and military aid to be delivered to both Israel and Ukraine. “The intent is to lean forward in support of Israel,” Wormuth was quoted as saying by Fox News. “But in particular with munitions and the ability to support Israel and Ukraine simultaneously, additional funding is needed to increase our capacity to expand production and then also pay for the munitions themselves.”
Biden acknowledged that a minimum of 14 Americans lost their lives in the unexpected attacks that occurred on Saturday, and there were reports of some being held captive by Hamas. Hamas had issued threats to harm hostages unless Israel warned civilians of impending Gaza attacks. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan also mentioned that there were still approximately 20 US citizens unaccounted for. In the midst of ongoing discussions about a possible intelligence lapse following the Hamas attack, Sullivan clarified that the US had not detected any indicators or warnings. He stated, “Just like the Israelis, we had no advance knowledge of an attack of this nature.”
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US Considers Deploying Aircraft Carriers to Eastern Mediterranean
Notably, the US President’s remarks on Tuesday were his clearest show of support for Israel yet as the death toll surged above 1,200 in the “sickening” attack by Hamas. Gaza officials have also reported 900 people killed in air strikes. Meanwhile, Israel’s army said the bodies of roughly 1,500 militants had been found.
As the conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas militants continues to escalate, the United States is considering the deployment of two aircraft carriers to the eastern Mediterranean. Earlier, US media said the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, along with its warships and fighter jets, was originally scheduled to depart from Norfolk, Virginia, this week. However, US-based publication Politico reported Tuesday that USS Dwight Eisenhower may now be ordered to position itself off the coast of Israel.
Originally, the USS Eisenhower’s deployment was intended for a location near Europe, as confirmed by DOD spokesperson Lt. Col. Bryon McGarry. The ship is scheduled to depart from Norfolk on Friday and, if directed, it could reach the eastern Mediterranean by the end of October. At that point, it would join the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford and its accompanying strike group, which the Pentagon had sent to the waters near Israel on Sunday. This deployment is a demonstration of US military presence in reaction to the exceptional attacks on Israel.