9-10-2023 (WASHINGTON) U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced on Sunday that the Pentagon would be sending warships and fighter jets to the Eastern Mediterranean region as a demonstration of support for Israel in the midst of increasing conflicts between Israeli forces and Hamas fighters.
Austin released a statement indicating that he had ordered the relocation of the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to the Eastern Mediterranean. The strike group comprises an aircraft carrier, a guided missile cruiser, and four guided missile destroyers.
In addition, the Pentagon has initiated measures to bolster U.S. Air Force squadrons, including F-35, F-15, F-16, and A-10 fighter aircraft, in the region, according to the defense chief.
Austin also announced that the U.S. government is expeditiously providing the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) with additional equipment and resources, which includes munitions.
The first shipment of U.S. security assistance for Israel is scheduled to commence its journey on Sunday and will reach its destination in the coming days, as confirmed by Austin.
