In the wake of recent attacks by the Palestinian movement, Hamas, U.S. President Joe Biden has opted to amplify military support to Israel. The White House, on Sunday, confirmed this development without delving into the specifics.
US aircraft carrier Gerald Ford-Image Source: AL-Arabiya
A statement from the U.S. Presidential office detailed, “President Biden has directed increased backing to Israel in response to Hamas’s unparalleled aggression.”
The U.S. Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, has subsequently commanded the deployment of the aircraft carrier strike group led by the USS Gerald R. Ford towards the eastern Mediterranean. Additionally, according to NBC, American officials have revealed plans to mobilize further naval vessels and military aircrafts in proximity to Israel, signifying unwavering U.S. support.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin: The United States will quickly provide the Israel Defense Forces with additional equipment and ammunition.
The first batch of military aid will be sent today and will arrive in Israel in the coming days.
First of all, we are talking about… pic.twitter.com/uk0wxZm3Ie
— Sprinter (@Sprinter99800) October 8, 2023
Talks concerning additional American military aid had been previously hinted at by a high-ranking U.S. official. As part of Sunday’s briefing, the White House mentioned, “National Security team updated both President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on the current scenario in Israel. President Biden then instructed the provision of augmented aid to Israel facing this unprecedented terrorist attack from Hamas.” The exact nature and details of this support remain undisclosed.
Earlier in the day, U.S. Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, mentioned that the U.S. is considering Israel’s requests for supplementary military assistance and plans to announce the same. Furthermore, Blinken made reference to reports of several American casualties, including fatalities and missing persons, which are currently under investigation.
On the Israeli front, the miniature Israeli government officially declared a state of war, marking the first such proclamation since the October War in 1973. Following an unexpected attack by Hamas, the death toll in Israel surpassed 700 with over 100 taken as prisoners. Meanwhile, Palestinian casualties have been estimated at around 370 dead and over 2,000 injured.
