The Pentagon announced on Monday that the United States will send additional troops to the Middle East as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah approach the brink of all-out war. These deployments will be accompanied by a significant military presence, including a dozen warships and multiple fighter-jet squadrons, reports National Review.
This development follows an extensive bombing campaign carried out by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, marking what appears to be a new and intensified phase in the long-standing conflict between the two sides.
“In light of the increased tensions in the Middle East, and out of an abundance of caution, we are sending a small number of additional U.S. military personnel forward to augment our forces that are already in the region,” said Pentagon Press Secretary General Pat Ryder. He stressed that while the situation is dangerous, the U.S. is taking preventative measures. “Given the tensions, given the escalation, as I highlighted, there is the potential for a wider regional conflict. I don’t think we’re there yet, but it’s a dangerous situation.”
The U.S. maintains approximately 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria, primarily involved in counterterrorism operations. Additionally, American military bases are spread across the region, including in Turkey, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, where U.S. forces total around 40,000. The publication adds that this is an increase from the 34,000 troops stationed in the Middle East prior to the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7.
Israeli strikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut on Monday resulted in 274 casualties, according to Lebanese authorities. The IDF reported hitting over 800 targets, aiming to weaken Hezbollah’s capabilities and weapons stockpiles. This campaign is seen as a decisive shift in Israel’s military strategy, focusing on its northern front after a prolonged focus on Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Lebanese civilians to evacuate the southern part of the country, stressing that Israel’s war is not against the Lebanese people but against Hezbollah. “Israel’s war is not with you,” Netanyahu stated, condemning Hezbollah for using civilians as human shields by embedding rocket and missile stockpiles within residential areas.
“To defend our people against Hezbollah strikes, we must take out these weapons…Don’t let Hezbollah endanger Lebanon,” Netanyahu warned.