Amid heightened tensions following Israel’s murder of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut and the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, the United States has sent a naval strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean.
The killings occurred on July 30 and July 31 within hours of one another. Israel has not formally accepted responsibility for Haniyeh’s death, but it has been held accountable for the killings.
In preparation of an Iranian counterattack, Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke over the phone on Sunday, which led to the deployment.
Austin “reiterated the United States’ commitment to take every possible step to defend Israel and noted the strengthening of US military force posture and capabilities throughout the Middle East in light of escalating regional tensions,” according to a statement issued by the Pentagon after the event.
The fear among observers is that any response to the two killings, from Iran or its allies Hezbollah, may lead to a wider regional conflict and possibly enlist the US’s backing for Israel.
The US news channel CNBC said that opponents of the US administration are urging the country to utilize its power to impose a ceasefire at the same time that the strike force is being deployed. The conduct of the conflict in Gaza has also drawn criticism from US President Joe Biden, who called Israel’s actions in the enclave “over the top” in February and stated time and time again that “too many” civilians had died. Nonetheless, this hasn’t resulted in any strong attempts to stop Israel’s attack on Gaza, including prohibiting the sale of weapons or imposing other penalties.
Fearing that Israel may launch a heavy attack on Lebanon if it is struck by direct strikes, many nations—including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Jordan, and several Western states—have urged their citizens to leave the country. Several airlines have stopped operating to Israel, Jordan, and Lebanon at the same time.
