US and UK sending forces to Eastern Mediterranean to support Israel

The US and the United Kingdom (UK) have revealed that they are sending military and naval forces to support Israel and reinforce regional stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.

As informed, the announcement comes in the wake of the Israel-Palestine conflict in Gaza which started on 7 October, after a surprise attack by Hamas.

The UK Prime Minister has directed UK military assets to be deployed to the eastern Mediterranean to support Israel, reinforce regional stability and prevent escalation. 

Maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft will begin flying in the region from Friday to track threats to regional stability such as the transfer of weapons to terrorist groups. Meanwhile, a Royal Navy task group will be moved to the eastern Mediterranean next week as a contingency measure to support humanitarian efforts. 

The military package, which includes P8 aircraft, surveillance assets, two Royal Navy ships – RFA Lyme Bay and RFA Argus – three merlin helicopters and a company of Royal Marines, will be on standby to deliver practical support to Israel and partners in the region, and offer deterrence and assurance. 

Meanwhile, the US is sending its second aircraft carrier to the region, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, after USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group arrived in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea on 10 October.

The forces in the area include the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), with its 8 squadrons of attack and support aircraft, and the Ticonderoga class guided missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), as well as the Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyers USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS Carney (DDG 64), and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80).