The US will send a second aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean in the coming days, which will be at Israel’s disposal if necessary, as part of an operation that was already scheduled but arrives after the attack. that Hamas perpetrated on Saturday.
John Kirby, one of the White House spokespersons, explained in a press conference that the transfer of this aircraft carrier, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, is part of a “long-scheduled deployment in the region.”
“It will initially cross the Atlantic and into the Mediterranean, where it will be available if needed,” Kirby said.
Thus, he added, there is “no operational decision to speak of.” “Yesterday I saw some reports that seemed to suggest that it was a final decision that a second aircraft carrier would join (the USS Gerald R. Ford). That could happen, I don’t know,” he insisted.
A clear message of support for Israel
Both the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and its strike groups have been in the eastern Mediterranean since Tuesday “for deterrence purposes,” he said.
They have the mission to “make clear to any actor, organization, group, terrorist network, State, nation, anyone who thinks, with hostile intentions towards Israel, that this is the time to broaden and expand the conflict, that we will take our interests seriously. of national security.”
The US Central Command (Centcom) reported on Tuesday that the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford and the group of US Navy destroyers sent on Sunday to support Israel in the war against Gaza and prevent an escalation of the conflict reached the eastern Mediterranean.
The Pentagon decided to mobilize the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford and its eight attack squadrons, in addition to the guided missile cruiser USS Normandy and the guided missile destroyers Thomas Hudner, USS Ramage, USS Carney and USS Roosevelt.
Biden reaffirms his commitment
In a public event, US President Joe Biden insisted this Wednesday that the United States’ commitment to Israel and the security of the Jewish people is unwavering and affirmed that he is working in this direction.
“My commitment to the security of Israel and the security of the Jewish people is unwavering. The United States supports it and we are going to work on this throughout today and beyond,” she noted.
The president already said on Tuesday that his country will give Israel everything it needs to defend itself in response to the attack carried out by Hamas on Saturday, which has caused an escalation of violence with hundreds of fatalities on both sides.
In a telephone conversation held today with Netanyahu, the two leaders spoke specifically about American support for Israel and agreed to remain in contact regarding this “unprecedented attack” by Hamas, according to the White House.
The US is already sending Israel ammunition and the components it needs for the Iron Dome air defense system, which Israel used these days against missiles launched from the Gaza Strip.
In addition, the United States has strengthened its military presence in the region by deploying combat aircraft, including the sophisticated F-35 and F-15, and sending a group of aircraft carriers and destroyers to the Eastern Mediterranean, including the ship USS Normandy, equipped with anti-aircraft, anti-surface and anti-submarine missiles.
According to the latest data released this Wednesday by the State Department, 22 American citizens have died in the attacks.
Blinken travels to Israel
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken left for Israel to coordinate with Benjamin Netanyahu’s government on US aid to confront Hamas in the new Gaza war.
“We are determined to ensure that Israel has everything it needs to defend itself and to ensure the safety of its people. “The military assistance requested by Israel is already on the way,” Blinken told reporters before boarding his plane at Andrews military base, outside Washington.
The head of American diplomacy is scheduled to arrive in Tel Aviv on Thursday morning and meet with Netanyahu that same day; with the president of Israel, Isaac Herzog; with other authorities and with employees of the United States embassy.
Blinken will spend a few hours in Israel, where he may appear at a press conference before traveling to Amman to hold meetings with Jordanian authorities on Friday.
By Nadeem Faisal Baiga
