The United States has announced that it maintains a strong military presence in the Middle East, bolstered by recent reinforcements, as Israel expands its military operations to include hundreds of targets in Lebanon.
With Israel intensifying its bombardment against Hezbollah alongside its ongoing campaign in Gaza, White House national security spokesman John Kirby described the US military’s deployment as “robust,” though he did not provide specific details.
“There is already a very robust military capability to defend ourselves and to help defend Israel,” Kirby said on ABC, emphasising that additional forces have been deployed since April when Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones targeting Israel.
In a separate statement, the Pentagon confirmed that an aircraft carrier strike group and a Marine expeditionary unit had been ordered to remain active in the eastern Mediterranean. These forces are supported by an increased presence of US warplanes.
The Pentagon’s spokesperson, Major General Pat Ryder, added that the United States would further enhance its air defence capabilities in the coming days to ensure protection.
Kirby expressed concern about the potential expansion of the conflict in the region but reaffirmed Israel’s right to “eliminate the threat” posed by Hezbollah.
Tensions have heightened amid fears that Israel may launch ground operations in Lebanon, buoyed by US support and its military successes. This comes after Israel killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and other senior figures in a Friday airstrike in Beirut.
Despite the escalating situation, Kirby stated that there were no immediate plans for the US to evacuate its citizens from Lebanon, although he urged Americans to leave while they can.
Kirby also mentioned that it was too early to speculate on who might assume leadership of Hezbollah following Nasrallah’s death in the Israeli airstrike.
