US to send troops and fighter jets to the Middle East: 'We continue to work with the Israelis'

The US Department of Defense (Pentagon) has announced that it will send fighter jets and several thousand additional troops to the Middle East to 'deter aggression and reduce the risk of a broader regional war.'

Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh spoke at the daily press briefing.

Singh stated, 'The Department of Defense is taking steps to further strengthen the force posture of US forces in the Middle East to deter aggression and reduce the risk of a broader regional war.'

Noting that the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group, which is currently in the region and due for rotation, has been ordered to remain in place, Singh also announced that F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16, A-10, and F-22 fighter jets, along with 'several thousand' support personnel, will be sent to bolster air defenses.

Singh also shared that the Pentagon has increased the readiness level for the deployment of US-based military units to the region to further enhance its preparedness to respond to various contingencies.

The USS Abraham Lincoln was deployed to the Eastern Mediterranean shortly after the conflict between Israel and Hamas began on October 7

DOES THE US HAVE A ROLE IN THE ASSASSINATION OF NASRALLAH?

When asked whether US-made weapons were used in the attacks that killed Nasrallah, Singh said they do not conduct separate investigations into every Israeli attack and referred questions about the specific attack to the Israelis for more information.

Regarding questions about Israeli officials' statements on plans for a ground invasion of Lebanon, Singh replied, 'Ask Israel about their potential operations; I have nothing to say. I can only tell you this: we continue to work with the Israelis and are currently trying to get more information about what they are planning to do.'

Singh reiterated that Israel did not inform them about the airstrikes on September 27 that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon, stating, 'Secretary (Lloyd) Austin was caught off guard. He was notified while the operation was underway. We were not involved in these operations.'

Nasrallah was killed in airstrikes carried out by the Israeli military on Beirut on September 27.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin

IS THERE A TRUST ISSUE BETWEEN THE US AND ISRAEL?

Israel, which has faced heavy criticism for its attacks on Gaza, has also been frequently warned by the American government. However, the US has provided full military and political support to Israel so far.

Singh responded to a question about whether there is a 'trust issue' between the US and Israeli defense ministers as follows:

'The two ministers have been in regular communication every day since October 7, sometimes even speaking twice a day. Both know they can call each other whenever they want. Therefore, it cannot be said that there is a trust issue.'

According to Lebanese authorities, a total of 1,217 people, including 104 children and 194 women, have lost their lives in Israeli attacks since September 17, when communication devices used by Hezbollah were detonated.

Hundreds of thousands of people continue to be displaced within the country due to Israeli bombardments. While the wave of migration from the southern parts of the country to the capital Beirut and the north continues, it is reported that tens of thousands of people have migrated to Syria.