US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the departure of two ships and one submarine for Israel after he reiterated the US's commitment to Israel's defense in a call with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Sunday night, according to a readout from the US Defense Department from Monday overnight.
During the call, Gallant informed Austin that Iranian military preparations indicated Iran was preparing for a significant attack against Israel, a source briefed on the conversation shared.
The US Defense Department revealed that Secretary Austin ordered that the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, along with F-35C fighters, accelerate its transit to the Central Command area, bolstering the military presence already provided by the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group. Additionally, the USS Georgia, a guided missile submarine, has been deployed to the region.
Ceasefire deal still possible?
The call also focused on Israel's ongoing operations in Gaza, with Secretary Austin and Minister Gallant emphasizing the importance of minimizing civilian casualties and advancing efforts toward a ceasefire. They also discussed the need to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza.
They addressed the critical issue of deterring aggression from Iran, Lebanon's Hezbollah, and other Iran-aligned groups in the region, highlighting the essential cooperation between the US and Israel in maintaining regional stability.