Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has submitted “be ready to deploy” orders for up to 2,000 U.S. troops in response to the intensifying Israel-Hamas war.
A Defense official informed Fox News that Austin gave the order over the weekend to prepare service members for deployment to the Middle East.
The Wall Street Journal first reported that U.S. troops would serve in various support roles, including explosive ordnance disposal. The Journal noted that troops wouldn't serve in combat roles and that Austin's order excluded infantry units. However, the Pentagon has yet to clarify precisely which troops are on standby and the conditions under which the deployment would commence.
For the moment, any deployment scenarios remain purely theoretical. However, they may soon become very real if Israel initiates its highly anticipated ground invasion of the Gaza Strip.
The Hill has more on the reaction today's news:
Deputy Defense press secretary Sabrina Singh declined to confirm the reports to members of the press Monday.
“I don't have more to provide at this time,” she told reporters at the Pentagon. “I might be able to give you more details later, but at this time, I just don't have anything more specific to add.”
Israel's war with Hamas, the militant group that controls the Gaza Strip, has claimed more than 4,000 lives and counting on both sides after Hamas's bloody surprise assault on Israel on Oct. 7.
The U.S. has continuously expressed support for Israel after the country was attacked, with the Pentagon over the weekend announcing it was sending a second carrier strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean. The strike group is meant to act as a deterrence amid concerns foreign aggressors could engage in the war and will join the USS Gerald Ford group, which is already there.
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