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The Pentagon is sending ships and aircraft closer to Israel as a way to demonstrate show of force, as revealed by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, a day after Hamas attacked the southern region of Israel.
Austin directed the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Normandy, USS Gerald R. Ford, and several destroyers to move to the Eastern Mediterranean, according to a press release on Sunday.
The press release further mentioned that additionally, Austin has also taken steps to augment U.S. Air Force F-15, F-16, F-35, and A-10 fighter aircraft squadrons in the region.
The moves were in response to Hamas attacks on Israel and was followed by detailed discussion with President Joe Biden regarding strengthening “Department of Defense posture in the region to bolster regional deterrence efforts.”
In addition to moving its artillery closer, Washington will also be rapid into providing weapons to Israel Defense Forces (IDF), including munitions.
During a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden said that addition assistance for the IDF is on its way, with more expected in the coming days, according to a White House readout of the call.