The Pentagon has taken swift action to assist Israel in its war planning and provide support in the face of escalating tensions with Hamas.
As part of this effort, military advisers, including Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James Glynn, have been sent to Israel to aid in strategizing for a ground assault into Gaza.
The objective is to mitigate civilian casualties, particularly in the challenging context of urban warfare.
Additionally, the Pentagon is rapidly deploying advanced air defense systems to the Middle East and taking steps to protect U.S. personnel in the region.
Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James Glynn, a seasoned expert in urban warfare, has been dispatched to Israel as part of the military advisory team. Glynn’s experience includes leading special operations forces against the Islamic State and serving in the intense urban combat in Fallujah, Iraq.
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His role in Israel will not involve direct engagement in the fighting. Instead, Glynn will provide guidance on how to minimize civilian casualties in the complex urban environment where Hamas militants have established tunnel networks and traps throughout northern Gaza’s densely populated areas.
This emphasis on mitigating civilian harm reflects the commitment to uphold humanitarian principles in the midst of conflict.
The Pentagon’s Efforts in the Conflict
The Pentagon’s involvement extends beyond providing military advisers. Recognizing the potential for the conflict between Israel and Hamas to escalate, the U.S. is taking proactive measures to protect its personnel and prevent further destabilization in the region.
Recent attacks on U.S. military garrisons and repeated rocket or drone attacks on American locations in the Middle East have raised concerns about the involvement of Iran.
The U.S. National Security Council spokesman, John Kirby, has stated that Iran is likely endorsing and facilitating these attacks, aiming to exploit the conflict for its own interests. The Pentagon is determined not to allow Iran to act with impunity.
Kirby said Iran was “in some cases actively facilitating these attacks and spurring on others who may want to exploit the conflict for their own good, or for that of Iran. We know that Iran’s goal is to maintain some level of deniability here. But were not going to allow them to do that.”
In response to the mounting threats, the Pentagon has expedited the deployment of multiple sophisticated air defense systems to the Middle East.
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This includes the dispatch of Patriot missile defense system battalions and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system. The repositioning of the Eisenhower strike group to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility further bolsters the defense capabilities in the region.
These measures aim to safeguard U.S. forces and Israel against potential missile attacks originating from Yemen or other hostile actors. The presence of the Ford carrier strike group and the Eisenhower strike group acts as a deterrent and demonstration of unwavering commitment to protecting American interests.
Amid the intensifying situation, the U.S. has advised Israeli officials to consider a delay in launching a large-scale ground assault. This recommendation is based on the belief that postponing such an operation would provide more time for the U.S. to work with its regional partners to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.
The recent successful release of two captives, Judith and Natalie Raanan, through mediation efforts by Qatar demonstrates the potential for diplomatic solutions. President Joe Biden has emphasized the importance of hostage release as a precondition for further discussions. However, the impact of this advice on Israeli decision-making remains uncertain.
In a positive development, the International Committee of the Red Cross has confirmed the release of two more hostages held by Hamas. Yocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper, both from the Israeli kibbutz of Nir Oz.
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As tensions between Israel and Hamas continue to escalate, the Pentagon’s involvement in assisting Israel’s war planning is a critical step in addressing the evolving security challenges.
The deployment of military advisers, including Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James Glynn, underscores the importance of leveraging expertise in urban warfare to minimize civilian casualties. Additionally, the rapid deployment of advanced air defense systems and the repositioning of naval assets demonstrate the commitment to protecting U.S. personnel and maintaining regional stability.
The U.S. government’s efforts to advise Israel on delaying a ground assault and its focus on securing the release of hostages through diplomatic channels further highlight the multifaceted approach being adopted.
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