The top U.S. general in the Middle East visited Israel early Tuesday in an unannounced trip as the country intensifies its fight with Palestinian militant group Hamas.
U.S. Central Command head Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla arrived in Tel Aviv “to conduct high level meetings with Israel’s military leadership” including Israeli Chief of Defense Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, according to a Pentagon statement.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has reportedly ordered 2,000 U.S. troops to prepare to deploy in support of Israel in an advising and medical role.
Ahead of that, the Pentagon sent two carrier strike groups to the Eastern Mediterranean to act as a deterrent amid concerns foreign aggressors could engage in the war.
In addition, Washington has sent munitions and interceptors for Israel’s Iron Dome defense system and moved U.S. fighter jets to the region.
Israel, meanwhile, has conducted an intense airstrike and artillery campaign against Iran-backed Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip.
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