Current:Home > ScamsThe US will send a carrier strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean in support of Israel-LoTradeCoin
The US will send a carrier strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean in support of Israel
View Date:2024-12-23 20:29:44
WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Sunday he has ordered the Ford carrier strike group to sail to the Eastern Mediterranean to be ready to assist Israel after the attack by Hamas that has left more than 1,000 dead on both sides. Americans were reported to be among those killed and missing.
The USS Gerald R. Ford, the Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, and its approximately 5,000 sailors and deck of warplanes will be accompanied by cruisers and destroyers in a show of force that is meant to be ready to respond to anything, from possibly interdicting additional weapons from reaching Hamas and conducting surveillance.
The large deployment reflects a U.S. desire to deter any regional expansion of the conflict. But the Israeli government formally declared war Sunday and gave the green light for “significant military steps” to retaliate against Hamas.
Preliminary reports indicate that at least four American citizens were killed in the attacks and an additional seven were missing and unaccounted for, according to a U.S. official. The numbers were in flux and could change as a fuller accounting is compiled, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss initial reports received by the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. Most, if not all, of those reported dead or missing are dual U.S.-Israeli citizens, the official said.
Along with the Ford the U.S. is sending the cruiser USS Normandy and destroyers USS Thomas Hudner, USS Ramage, USS Carney, and USS Roosevelt, and the U.S. is augmenting Air Force F-35, F-15, F-16, and A-10 fighter aircraft squadrons in the region.
“The U.S. maintains ready forces globally to further reinforce this deterrence posture if required,” Austin said in a statement.
In addition, the Biden administration “will be rapidly providing the Israel Defense Forces with additional equipment and resources, including munitions. The first security assistance will begin moving today and arriving in the coming days,” Austin said.
The Norfolk, Virginia-based carrier strike group( was already in the Mediterranean. Last week it was conducting naval exercises with Italy in the Ionian Sea. The carrier is in its first full deployment.
President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a telephone call Sunday, discussed “the taking of hostages by Hamas terrorists, including entire families, the elderly, and young children,” according to a White House statement describing their conversation. Biden stressed that all countries “must stand united in the face of such brutal atrocities.”
The president updated Netanyahu on U.S. diplomatic efforts and said additional assistance for Israeli forces was on the way, with more to come in the days ahead, the White House said.
They also discussed ways “to ensure that no enemies of Israel believe they can or should seek advantage from the current situation.”
As part of the U.S. effort to deter further escalation, Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates on Sunday. In each call, he encouraged each country’s “continued engagement” and “highlighted the United States’ unwavering focus on halting the attacks by Hamas and securing the release of all hostages,” department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in separate statements on the three calls.
On Capitol Hill, the House is preparing a bipartisan resolution that says it “stands with Israel” and condemns “Hamas’ brutal war.”
The resolution from the leaders of the House Foreign Affairs Committee is expected to be among the first items considered for voting once the House elects a new speaker.
“Now is the time to show the world the United States firmly stands with our friend and ally Israel in our condemnation of this heinous attack by Iran-backed terrorists,” said the committee chairman, Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas.
House business is currently at a standstill after the historic ouster of Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.
Majority Republicans plan to kick off the selection process, in private, at a Tuesday evening forum where candidates can address their colleagues. The real contest could come as soon as Wednesday when the House next convenes.
___
AP Diplomatic Writer Matthew Lee and AP Congressional Correspondent Lisa Mascaro contributed to this report.
veryGood! (8)
Related
- Brian Austin Green’s Fiancée Sharna Burgess Celebrates Megan Fox’s Pregnancy News
- Farmers in 6 Vermont counties affected by flooding can apply for emergency loans
- Top Deals from Coach Outlet Labor Day Sale 2024: $24 Wallets, $78 Bags & Up to 76% Off Bestselling Styles
- Tap water is generally safe to drink. But contamination can occur.
- Are Dancing with the Stars’ Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber Living Together? She Says…
- Defense Department civilian to remain jailed awaiting trial on mishandling classified documents
- GOP nominee for governor in North Carolina has a history of inflammatory words. It could cost Trump
- TikTok 'demure' trend is a masterclass from a trans woman on respect and kindness
- Stocks soared on news of Trump's election. Bonds sank. Here's why.
- Oklahoma rodeo company blames tainted feed for killing as many as 70 horses
Ranking
- Gun groups sue to overturn Maine’s new three-day waiting period to buy firearms
- Jessica Biel and Son Silas Timberlake Serve Up Adorable Bonding Moment in Rare Photo at U.S. Open
- Michigan's Sherrone Moore among college football coaches without a signed contract
- Sheriff’s office quickly dispels active shooter rumor at Disney World after fight, ‘popping’ sound
- Mississippi Valley State football player Ryan Quinney dies in car accident
- Brazil blocks Musk’s X after company refuses to name local representative amid feud with judge
- Man charged with killing ex-wife and her boyfriend while his daughter waited in his car
- Canadian rail union says it has filed lawsuits challenging back-to-work orders
Recommendation
-
Voters in California city reject measure allowing noncitizens to vote in local races
-
Who Is Paralympian Sarah Adam? Everything to Know About the Rugby Player Making History
-
Georgia prosecutor accused of stealing public money pleads guilty in deal that includes resignation
-
Artem Chigvintsev Previously Accused of Kicking Strictly Come Dancing Partner
-
Residents urged to shelter in place after apparent explosion at Louisville business
-
No criminal charges for driver in school bus crash that killed 6-year-old, mother
-
White House pressured Facebook to remove misinformation during pandemic, Zuckerberg says
-
Dancing With the Stars Alum Cheryl Burke Addresses Artem Chigvintsev’s Arrest