If Iran and its proxy groups launch a retaliatory strike against Israel as they have reportedly vowed, the White House plans on defending its key ally in the Middle East. The Biden administration announced on Thursday, Aug. 1, that it will send new U.S. defense deployments to counter the ballistic missile and drone threats against Israel in the region.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris reportedly had a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday. The three discussed the United States’ efforts to bolster Israel’s defense capabilities.
President Biden told reporters he had a tough call with Netanyahu but reaffirmed support for Israel. While specifics were not given, U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told CNN that the support could involve U.S. boots on the ground.
“It’s most likely going to be a combination of both, of course, because it’s not just hardware when you’re adding capability to a region,” Kirby said. “You’ve got to add troops into that mix as well to maintain and operate that equipment.”
Meanwhile, Netanyahu has said that Israel is prepared for any scenario.
The assistance to Israel from the United States comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Iran and Hamas have vowed revenge after Hamas’ top political leader died in an explosion in Tehran. Iran blames Israel for the attack, but Israeli forces aren’t confirming or denying their involvement.
However, Israel did confirm that it was behind the July 30 assassination of a Hezbollah commander in Beirut, Lebanon. Israel Defense Forces said that the commander was responsible for the deadly attack in Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, in which a rocket allegedly launched by Hezbollah killed 12 kids playing soccer.
Additionally, Israel’s border with Lebanon is the epicenter of fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants. The fight is also beginning to involve other countries. A recent Israeli airstrike reportedly killed at least four Syrian nationals in Lebanon.
Meanwhile, Israel’s war against Hamas is now entering its 10th month as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens.
Israeli forces are said to have hit a school in Gaza City on Thursday, killing at least 15 people and injuring 29 other individuals. The Israeli military said it was targeting Hamas fighters who were inside of the school at the time.
