President Joe Biden landed in Israel as the Marines deployed. The United States has also sent Air Force fighter groups to the region.
A unit of U.S. Marines has been directed to move into the Middle East to support Israel in its war with the Hamas terrorist group, U.S. officials said on Oct. 17.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) to move into the region, Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters during a briefing.
“The 26th MEU is an adaptable military force composed of infantry, aviation, and logistics components, all operating under one command,” Ms. Singh said. “Positioned at sea, the 26th MEU is equipped to execute amphibious missions, respond to crises, and engage in limited contingency operations across a spectrum of military scenarios.”
The step comes after Mr. Austin sent the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group to the Eastern Mediterranean, joining the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group.
The United States has also deployed Air Force fighter groups to the region.
Mr. Austin also issued a prepare to deploy order, notifying 2,000 personnel from various units that they may be deployed, though no decision has yet been made on actual deployment, according to Ms. Singh.
“This order only puts these units on higher alert,” she said. “The secretary will continue to assess our force posture and remain in close contact with allies and partners.”
The U.S. Department of Defense is focusing on helping Israel and deterring others who are thinking of following Hamas’s lead in attacking Israel, officials said.
“The department remains focused on three objectives: supporting Israel’s defense through security assistance, sending a strong signal of deterrence to any actors who might be thinking of entering the conflict, and staying vigilant to any threats to U.S. forces,” Ms. Singh said.
Mr. Austin and other U.S. officials have condemned the Hamas attacks, which took place on Oct. 7. Hamas terrorists murdered people attending a music festival and in villages located near the Gaza Strip. The death toll is currently over 1,400. Thirty-one Americans were killed.
By Zachary Stieber
