U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced Sunday that he has ordered U.S. warships, including an aircraft carrier and additional aircraft, to move closer to the eastern Mediterranean in response to Hamas’ unprecedented multi-pronged attack on Israel. A National Security Council spokesperson confirmed Monday that at least nine Americans were among the more than 700 people killed in Israel in Hamas attacks.
“Today, in response to this Hamas attack on Israel, and after detailed consultation with President Biden, we announced several actions to strengthen the Department of Defense’s posture in the region to strengthen regional deterrence efforts,” Austin said in a news release. “I have instructed the following measures.”
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The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group includes the Ticonderoga-class missile cruiser USS Normandy and four Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers, as well as the world’s largest warship, the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford. — USS Thomas Hudner, USS Ramage, USS Kearney, and USS Roosevelt.
USS Gerald R. Ford was in the Western Mediterranean when she received orders to sortie. Depending on her exact location, she may have to travel more than 1,000 miles.
Austin also announced measures to increase U.S. Air Force fighter squadrons in the region. U.S. Air Force aircraft will enter bases in the Middle East and be used for operations against Iran.
The ammunition the United States plans to send is being flown in.
Austin will meet with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant on Sunday to “express support for the Israeli people and receive updates on Israel’s operations to restore security and safety from the Hamas terrorist attacks,” the Pentagon said. said a spokesperson. Gen. Pat Ryder said in his statement.
Ryder added that Gallant and Austin “will continue to be in close contact in the coming days and weeks.”
The announcement came shortly after the White House confirmed that President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke again on Sunday morning. The two leaders discussed the holding of Israeli hostages by Hamas, and Biden assured Netanyahu that U.S. support for the Israel Defense Forces was on the way to Israel and that more support would be forthcoming in the coming days.
The American aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford is seen from above as it is anchored in Trieste Bay, Italy, on September 18, 2023. Andrej Tarfila/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
“The President emphasized that there is no legitimacy to terrorism and that nations must come together against such brutal atrocities,” the White House conference call summary reads. .
“President Biden updated the Prime Minister on the intensive diplomatic efforts the United States has undertaken over the past 24 hours in support of Israel,” the reading added.
Austin confirmed that the first movement of U.S. security aid to the IDF will begin Sunday and arrive within the next few days.
“My team and I remain in close contact with our Israeli counterparts to ensure they have what they need to protect our people and protect themselves from these heinous terrorist attacks. Here we go,” Austin said.
Israeli officials announced early Monday that more than 700 Israeli civilians and military personnel have been killed since Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip early Saturday. A further 2,150 people were injured.
More than 400 Palestinians have been killed and another 2,200 injured in Israeli retaliatory attacks in Gaza since Saturday, the Gaza Health Ministry said on Monday.
Many Israelis, both civilians and security forces, have been taken hostage. Israeli Ambassador Michael Herzog said on Sunday’s “Face the Nation” show that he had the impression that Americans were being held hostage, but did not provide further details. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on “Face the Nation” that a U.S. investigation report indicated that some of the hostages were American citizens.
U.S. officials say there are still no formal plans to evacuate Americans.
—Eleanor Watson contributed reporting.
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