The United States has deployed two aircraft carriers, supporting ships, as well as fighter jets to the eastern Mediterranean since the Hamas attacks on Israel and the ongoing crisis situation.
Israel’s closest ally, United States, has dispatched warships and aircraft to the area to bolster Tel Aviv’s defense capabilities and is standing ready to assist Israel with any required response.
United States efforts to aid Israel against Gaza, include:
1. Weapons and Special Operations Forces
- The U.S. is providing essential munitions to Israel to support its defense efforts.
- A small special operations team is offering intelligence, planning assistance, advice, and consultations to the Israeli Defense Forces.
- Efforts to expedite weapons orders by Israel, particularly for munitions for the Iron Dome air defense system.
2. Aircraft Carriers
- The USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group has been redirected to the Eastern Mediterranean to serve as a command and control center and conduct information warfare.
- A second carrier group, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower carrier strike group, has been dispatched to deter hostile actions and provide additional capabilities.
- These carriers also serve as floating airbases for F-18 fighter jets, which can intercept or strike targets.
3. Fighter Jets
- Additional A-10, F-15, and F-16 squadrons have been ordered to bases in the Middle East.
- Air Force C-17 transport planes have been involved in the response.
More is expected soon, as Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will arrive in Israel on October 20, to meet with Israeli leaders to discuss what else the U.S. can provide.
US moves second aircraft carrier toward Israel
The Pentagon issued orders for a second carrier strike group to be deployed in the eastern Mediterranean Sea along with the additional delivery of Air Force fighter jets to the region as Israel prepares to expand its operations in Gaza, told U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on October 14.
These U.S. warships are not meant to participate in the Gaza conflict but are positioned to serve as a deterrent to Iran and Iranian proxies in the region, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The deployment is part of an effort to discourage hostile actions against Israel and prevent the escalation of the conflict after Hamas’s attack on Israel.
The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower strike group, which set sail from Norfolk, Virginia, is now on its way to the eastern Mediterranean, joining the USS Gerald R. Ford strike group, which arrived off the coast of Israel last week.
The duration of the Ford’s stay in the region after the Eisenhower group arrives remains unclear.
The Eisenhower strike group, led by the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier, will be accompanied by a guided-missile cruiser and two guided-missile destroyers, according to Austin’s statement.
The Eisenhower can carry more than 60 aircraft, including F/A-18 fighter jets, while the Ford can deploy more than 75 aircraft.
First plane carrying US ammo lands in Israel
The initial shipment of American ammunition for Israel’s aid against Gaza arrived in the country on October 11, coinciding with a significant buildup of Israeli troops for a potential ground assault on the besieged area.
During a visit to Israel, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stated on Sunday that discussions among U.S. lawmakers included the provision of 155-millimeter ammunition, replacement ammunition for the Iron Dome missile defense system, precision-guided bombs, and JDAM kits to enhance the accuracy of conventional bombs.
Israel is the largest recipient of U.S. military funding
Israel has historically been a major recipient of U.S. military aid, receiving substantial financial and military support, including a 2016 agreement in which the U.S. committed to providing $38 billion in military aid to Israel over a 10-year period, marking one of the most extensive military assistance packages ever given to a single country by the United States.
Currently, Israel receives $3.8 billion in military aid from the United States annually under a memorandum signed in 2019.
Israel asks US for $10 billion military aid
According to a report from The New York Times on October 16, Israel made a request to the United States for emergency military aid worth $10 billion.
The newspaper, citing information from three officials familiar with the matter, revealed that this aid package is being formulated in the form of a bill by Congress in collaboration with the White House.
The bill being developed will not only cover the aid for Israel but will also include funding that the Biden administration is seeking for Ukraine and Taiwan, and initiatives related to the U.S.-Mexico border, as per the report.