The Pentagon has selected 2,000 troops to prepare for a potential deployment to support Israel, The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.
Pentagon officials told the paper that the troops would be tasked with missions like advising and medical support and are not intended to serve a combat role. The personnel that have been selected are from across the US armed services, and some are already in the Middle East while others are outside the region.
The Associated Press also reported that the US is preparing for the potential deployment. One official told the AP that they would “not be sent to Israel but could be sent to countries in the region.”
It’s not clear what circumstances would lead to the deployment, but the prepare to deploy notice comes as Israel continues to bombard the Gaza Strip and is expected to launch a ground incursion. An Israeli military spokesman said Sunday that Israeli forces were “in formation” to launch an attack on Gaza City.
POLITICO reported last week that the US decided not to send troops into Gaza to rescue hostages. But the report said the issue could be revised, and the idea of the US military entering the besieged enclave has not been ruled out.
While not committing to sending troops into Gaza, the US has offered Israel intelligence and other types of support for a potential rescue operation. The US has also deployed two aircraft carrier strike groups into the region and sent new military aid, demonstrating Washington’s strong support for the onslaught in Gaza.
Source: AntiWar.
