In light of the escalating Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the head of the Pentagon, Lloyd Austin, has announced that the United States is deploying an aircraft carrier strike group, the USS Gerald Ford, to the eastern Mediterranean and reinforcing aviation units in the region, according to RIA Novosti. This group includes a missile cruiser and four destroyers armed with guided missiles.
Austin also revealed that the United States has taken steps to strengthen squadrons of F-35, F-15, F-16, and A-10 aircraft in the region. Prior to this, Lloyd Austin emphasized the unwavering position of the United States regarding Israel’s right to self-defense. He stated that in the coming days, the US Department of Defense will work to ensure that Israel has everything necessary for self-defense and the protection of civilians “from indiscriminate violence and terrorism.”
On October 7, Hamas forces launched thousands of rockets into Israeli territory, marking the beginning of the “Flood of Al-Aqsa” operation. In light of this, Israel’s Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, declared a state of emergency in the country. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the country is in a state of war. The Israeli Defense Forces’ operation against Hamas has been named “Operation Iron Swords.” Netanyahu stated that Israel’s military operation against Hamas will be difficult and prolonged. Earlier, the Israeli police predicted the duration of the conflict escalation.
