Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant by phone yesterday, for at least the fifth time in a week, and promised the undying support of the U.S. no matter what Israel does. In doing so, he told Gallant that he had ordered the acceleration of the U.S. military buildup in the region. “Secretary Austin reiterated the United States’ commitment to take every possible step to defend Israel and noted the strengthening of U.S. military force posture and capabilities throughout the Middle East in light of escalating regional tensions,” says the Pentagon readout.
“Reinforcing this commitment, Secretary Austin has ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, equipped with F-35C fighters, to accelerate its transit to the Central Command area of responsibility, adding to the capabilities already provided by the USS Theordore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group.” Of special note, the wording is now that the Lincoln will be “adding” to the combat capability already provided by the TR, not replacing it. The U.S. Pacific Fleet reported that the Abraham Lincoln, along with three destroyers, departed Guam and Saipan on Aug. 8.
