The Pentagon announced the deployment of 300 additional troops to the Middle East on Tuesday, though they will not be going to Israel.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has surged troops and military aid to the region following the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel. The U.S. isn't putting troops in Israel to fight in its war against Hamas; rather, the U.S. troops are acting as a deterrent preventing other anti-Israel entities in the region from broadening the conflict.
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"I can announce the decision to deploy an additional 300 troops to the U.S. Central Command region from home stations in the continental United States. These additional troops will provide capabilities and explosive ordnance disposal, communications, and other support enablers for forces already in the region," Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder said during Tuesday's press briefing. "Please note that we will not discuss specific deployment locations for these forces, but I can confirm they're not going to Israel and that they are intended to support regional deterrence efforts and further bolster U.S. force protection capabilities."
Ryder did not specify which troops were heading to the region.
The U.S. Navy has two carrier strike groups in the region and the U.S. Air Force also deployed squadrons of F-15, F-16, and A-10 fighter aircraft to the region as well. The U.S. deployed a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense battery to the region, as well as additional Patriot battalions to increase protection for U.S. forces.
The U.S. has provided military aid to Israel as well, including ammunition and interceptors to replenish the Iron Dome, among other weapons.
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President Joe Biden and his administration have publicly stood beside its closest Middle Eastern ally since the Hamas terrorist attacks that resulted in the deaths of roughly 1,400 people, the vast majority of whom were civilians. Terrorists from Gaza overwhelmed the Israeli border and proceeded to kill hundreds in the communities near the Gaza border, while about 260 people were killed during an outdoor music festival.
Despite their public support, U.S. leaders have repeatedly and publicly emphasized Israel's need to protect innocent Gazan civilians as they go after Hamas. Israeli leaders have said they intend to destroy Hamas's leadership and their ability to carry out attacks. Israeli forces have launched thousands of airstrikes prior to the start of its ground invasion, which have already led to the displacement of millions and the deaths and injuries of thousands.