Pentagon Updates Israel on Changes to U.S. Forces in the Middle East

The U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) announced today, Friday, that Secretary Lloyd Austin informed Israel about the ongoing and future changes to U.S. forces in the Middle East, although no decision has yet been made regarding the defense capabilities expected to be deployed. Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh told reporters after a phone call between Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant: "Austin informed the minister about additional measures including changes to the current and future defensive posture that the department will take to support Israel's defense." Singh added that this step could include the deployment of additional forces in the region, but Austin has not made a decision yet. Austin assured his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, that escalation is not inevitable, highlighting Washington's commitment to bolstering U.S. forces in the area. The American minister also mentioned that Washington is in communication with its partners in the region to support Israel’s defense and ensure the continuity of commercial shipping through the Red Sea.