The Biden-Harris administration announced Monday that it is preparing to send thousands of additional troops to the Middle East. The next day, President Joe Biden said the prospect was off the table.
U.S. troops in the Middle East provide continued support to Israel, which is embroiled in regional conflicts with multiple Iranian-backed terrorist organizations, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Islamic Network of Iraq and Syria. In light of the increased threat level, the Pentagon announced Monday that it is sending “thousands” of troops to the region and strengthening its presence in the region to assist in the defense of Israel if necessary. . According to To the Associated Press. (Related article: Military mission in Iraq to end – but not a withdrawal, US officials say)
Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters Monday that the additional troop deployment will be complemented by a squadron of fighter jets. The force will also join existing military assets that have recently been deployed to the region. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Sunday directed the carrier strike group to extend its stay in the Middle East alongside another strike group.
President Biden responded to a question about Israel's attack on Yemen:
“I have talked to both sides. They have to resolve the strike. I support collective bargaining efforts. I think they will resolve the strike.” pic.twitter.com/KFJltNNxNw
— The Recount (@therecount) September 30, 2024
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The announcement contradicts what Biden told reporters on Sunday.
“No” Biden said A Delaware reporter was asked if there were any plans to send in additional troops. He did not go into details, but said he would soon meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about regional development.
The decision to send additional troops to the Middle East comes amid a rapidly escalating conflict between Israel and Iran's largest terrorist organization, Hezbollah. The two countries have been sparring over the Israeli-Lebanese border since last year, but the recent escalation has raised concerns that the conflict could escalate into a wider regional war.
Israel has carried out a series of targeted attacks and airstrikes against Hezbollah in recent weeks, killing numerous operatives and destroying weapons and logistics facilities. Israel killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike on Friday, adding him to a growing list of terror group leaders assassinated last year.
Biden told reporters from the White House on Monday about developments between Israel and Hezbollah, particularly reports that Israel may be planning a ground invasion across the Lebanese border, saying, “I don't know what you think.'' I am more than aware of that,” he said. According to To AP. The Biden-Harris administration is concerned that this could increase tensions in the region and is seeking diplomatic workarounds to avoid such a possibility.
However, Israel and Hezbollah show no signs of easing tensions, and the Biden-Harris administration's approach appears not to be working.
The White House did not respond to requests for comment.
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