The US fleet has no intention of participating in the Israeli operation, but its presence is necessary to demonstrate that Iran and other militant groups like Hezbollah do not have the capability to attack Israel.
Lloyd Austin’s statement confirms that this move is only part of the U.S. strategy, which is directed and has the sole purpose to “deter hostile actions against Israel or any efforts toward widening this war following Hamas’s attack on Israel.”
The fleet is led by the USS Dwight D Eisenhower, a sophisticated nuclear-powered vessel that had taken part in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The U.S. has already deployed a first aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford, along with its accompanying warships, to the region and the fleet reached waters close to Israel earlier this week. In addition, the U.S. has sent advanced fighter jets to the region – these are the F-35 and F-15.
Meanwhile, at least 15 U.S. citizens and one U.S. permanent resident are reported missing, some of whom are believed to be among the hostages. At least 29 American citizens have been killed since the conflict began on 7 October, when Hamas rained rockets on Israeli towns. However, there is no information on whether they died as a result of Hamas attacks or Israel’s offensive operation.
