The Blubber

The U.S. military has selected roughly 2,000 US troops to prepare for a potential deployment to support Israel, per WSJ.

Approximately 2,000 U.S. troops have received prepare-to-deploy orders in readiness to potentially assist Israel, as confirmed by a defense official. At present, the troops are not being deployed to any specific location, and their destination, if activated, is not necessarily Israel or Gaza. The deployment would involve sending them to a nearby country, preparing to offer support to Israel in its conflict with Hamas.

Those who have received deployment orders were already on a 96-hour prepare-to-deploy status, which has now been shortened to 24 hours. The deployment would encompass service members with diverse capabilities and specialties, including medical support and handling explosives.

In addition to these preparations, the U.S.S. Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group has been deployed to the eastern Mediterranean Sea, joining the U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford, in a demonstration of support for Israel.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces have amassed personnel and equipment at the Gaza border, indicating readiness for an expanded retaliatory aerial attack involving an integrated and coordinated effort from air, sea, and land.

Recent events include a major terrorist attack by Hamas in Israel, resulting in casualties, including children, and the taking of hostages. Subsequently, there has been significant loss of life and injuries in Gaza and Israel, prompting heightened tensions in the region.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently visited Tel Aviv, engaging in extensive talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his war Cabinet at the Defense Ministry, amid ongoing security concerns that led to air raids and orders to shelter in place during the meeting.