Biden updates on the deployment of American forces in the Middle East

US President Joe Biden tonight (Wednesday, Israel time) updated the leadership of Congress regarding developments in the Middle East and US military preparations in accordance with “America’s long-standing commitment to Israel’s security”.

US forces will remain in the region to serve important national interests, including protecting American citizens and property from attacks by Iran and militias affiliated with Iran, the US president wrote. The United States will continue to support the defense of Israel, a “firm” commitment, he added. “In this context, I have ordered the deployment of a ballistic missile defense system and American soldiers capable of operating it in Israel to protect against further ballistic missile attacks,” Biden wrote.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, in accordance with Biden’s request, ordered the dispatch of a THAAD battery and about 100 soldiers to Israel this weekend. The initial battery components arrived in Israel last night (Tuesday).

The United States helped Israel repel Iran’s ballistic missile attack on Israel on October 1. “Our joint success on October 1st included intercepting dozens of incoming Iranian weapons before they could harm Israeli civilians,” Biden wrote. US forces also shot down rockets during the Iranian attack on April 13, the first ever direct attack on Israel from Iranian territory. The president also updated congressional leadership on the positioning of US forces in the region, including extending the time at sea of ​​the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group.

“We also deployed additional destroyers, including ones capable of protecting against ballistic missiles; the guided missile submarine USS Georgia, the Amphibious Readiness Group/Marine Infantry Unit of the USS Wasp, several fighter and strike squadrons of fourth and fifth generation aircraft including the F-22, F-15E, and F-16, and A-10 attack aircraft; and other forces,” Biden wrote.