US military aid to "Israel": Here's what to know
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US President Joe Biden is ramping up military aid to "Israel" to pave the way for a “swift, decisive and overwhelming” response against the Palestinian Resistance.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with US President Joe Biden upon his arrival at "Tel Aviv's" Ben Gurion Airport on October 18, 2023. (AFP)
US President Joe Biden is ramping up military aid to "Israel" to pave the way for a “swift, decisive and overwhelming” response against the Palestinian Resistance, as the White House is requesting an additional $14 billion in support from Congress - most of which is meant for weapons.
The American military claims to have prepared 2,000 personnel and a range of units on a heightened standby for potential deployment to "Israel". However, defense officials state that the forces are not intended to serve in combat roles and are tasked with advising and medical roles, but some could enter to support Israeli forces.
Two aircraft carrier groups, USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, have already been sent to the region, which includes one missile cruiser, at least two destroyers, and dozens of aircraft including jet fighters alongside around 5,000 servicemen and women.
The USS Gerald R. Ford has reached the area, while US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has directed the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier to be sent there.
Read more: If Gaza war escalates, Americans ready for evacuations: Biden admin.
Austin stated that the deployments are intended “to deter hostile actions against Israel or any efforts toward widening this war”.
The USS Bataan, an amphibious assault ship currently near the Red Sea, has also been directed to steer toward "Israel".
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Austin confirmed on Sunday that the US would deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-ballistic missile defense system alongside additional Patriot battalions to "Israel".
In his statement, he said: "Following detailed discussions with President Biden on recent escalations by Iran and its proxy forces across the Middle East Region, today I directed a series of additional steps to further strengthen the Department of Defense posture in the region … I have also activated the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery as well as additional Patriot battalions to locations throughout the region to increase force protection for US forces".
The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group aircraft carrier is making its way into the Mediterranean to support the Israeli aggression on #Gaza. pic.twitter.com/o7dvP61neW
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) October 10, 2023
An escalation in CENTCOM, which includes the Middle East, might happen in the "days ahead", the United States Department of Defense spokesperson, Air Force Brigadier General Patrick Ryder, told reporters on Monday.
Ryder confirmed that there has been an increase in rocket and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) attacks on US occupation bases and facilities in Iraq and Syria.
Read next: US officers talking 'consequences' of Gaza invasion with Israelis: WH
"We are concerned about a broader escalation of these attacks in the days ahead, which is why you've seen us move some additional -- or announce some additional movements of forces into the region," the DoD's spokesperson told reporters.
