Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, the U.S. Defense Department has alerted roughly 2,000 noncombat troops to be ready for a potential deployment to back Israel.
Drawn from various branches of the U.S. military, these troops are primarily earmarked for advisory and medical assistance roles.
“No infantry have been put on prepare-to-deploy order,” according to The Wall Street Journal.
Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh addressed the report during a media briefing, stating, “I don’t have more to provide at this time. I might be able to give you more details later, but at this time, I just don’t have anything more specific to add.”
It remains uncertain as to the exact conditions or locations under which these troops might be deployed.
However, their readiness suggests that the U.S. is willing to bolster Israeli forces should a ground operation into Gaza become a reality.
As international concern grows regarding the safety and well-being of Palestinians in Gaza, President Biden is scheduled to touch down in Israel this week.
Efforts to deliver vital aid through Egypt’s border have so far been unsuccessful.
However, as of Tuesday, the Biden administration hopes to be nearing an aid agreement and setting up “safe zones” in the southern part of Gaza.
The United Nations (UN) has reported that in response to Israeli warnings, 600,000 Palestinians have relocated from the northern areas.
Adding to the diplomatic engagements, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived in Israel on Tuesday.
Welcoming him, Foreign Minister Eli Cohen remarked on the significance of the trip, saying, “this important visit, which proves that Germany stands by the State of Israel and supports its struggle for the safety of its citizens.”
Chancellor Scholz is expected to hold discussions with key Israeli figures, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog.
Also on Tuesday, it was reported the demise of a senior Hamas member due to an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas confirmed the death of Ayman Nofal, the head of its military wing’s Central Gaza Brigade.
The Israel Defense Forces has yet to release any comments on this event.
