Israel has hit news bulletins across the world following terror attacks from Hamas, militant groups funded by Iran.
Biden will pay the country a solidarity visit on Wednesday to emphasize its “right and duty” to defend itself from Hamas.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that during his own visit to the country. This comes at a time when diplomatic relations between US and Israel have been intensified.
“The president will reaffirm United States solidarity with Israel and our ironclad commitment to its security,” Blinken said early Tuesday in Tel Aviv, during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
The Pentagon has ordered roughly 2,000 US troops to prepare for a potential deployment to Israel for medical and logistical support, according to defense officials.
Additionally, a US Marine rapid response force is headed to the waters off the coast of Israel, according to a defense official familiar with the planning.
Israel has vowed to wipe out Hamas, the Islamist group that controls Gaza strip, in response to the October 7 terrorist attacks that killed 1,400 people. More than 2,700 people have died in Israeli airstrikes, the Palestinian health ministry said.
“Israel has the right and indeed the duty to defend its people from Hamas and other terrorists to prevent future attacks,” he added
Head of the United States Central Command also arrived in Israel ahead of the president’s scheduled visit.
The head of US Central Command arrived in Israel Monday to meet with the chief of staff of the country’s military, according to a statement from US Central Command.
Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla’s goal is to better understand Israel’s defense requirements and outline US support during the conflict, the statement said.
US Central Command did not say how long Kurilla would stay in Israel. His visit comes as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is conducting shuttle diplomacy in the region, including a nearly eight-hour long meeting with Israel’s war cabinet.
“The arrival of these highly capable forces to the region is a strong signal of deterrence should any actor hostile to Israel consider trying to take advantage of this situation,” said General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, commander, U.S. Central Command.https://t.co/URHNRuPdvn pic.twitter.com/fQhjW8UAVt
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) October 10, 2023