Signal to Iran
USA sends second aircraft carrier to Israel
October 15, 2023, 4:01 a.m
The USA wants to prevent Israel’s fight against Hamas in the Gaza Strip from expanding. In order to deter arch-enemy Iran and its allies from possible intervention, the Pentagon is sending more warships to the region.
Following the major attack on Israel by the radical Islamic group Hamas, the USA is increasing its military presence in the conflict region. Washington is sending a second aircraft carrier to the eastern Mediterranean “to deter hostile actions against Israel or any attempts to expand this war,” said US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. According to the Pentagon, the USS Eisenhower will join the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, which was previously deployed to the region.
In addition to the aircraft carrier, other warships are to be relocated: the guided missile cruiser “USS Philippine Sea” and the destroyers “USS Mason” and “USS Gravely”. The increased deployment signals Washington’s “iron-clad commitment to Israel’s security and our determination to deter any state or non-state actor who seeks to escalate this war,” Austin said.
Air Force squadrons with their fighter jets were deployed to the region days ago. The US government emphasized that the warships are not intended to take part in combat operations, but only serve as a deterrent. There are no plans to send ground troops to Israel.
“This increase in force should serve as an unequivocal demonstration of U.S. support for Israel’s defense […] and serve as a deterrent signal to Iran, Lebanon’s Hezbollah and any other proxies in the region that might consider exploiting the current situation to escalate the conflict,” a senior US defense official told ABC News on Monday. These opponents should think twice.” The relocation of another aircraft carrier is now apparently intended to underline the message.
According to ABC News, the Defense Department is also considering moving the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan near Israel to provide additional support if needed.