Army General Michael "Erik" Kurilla, the head of US Central Command in the Middle East, visited Israel on Tuesday to ensure the Israeli military has the necessary resources in its "war" with the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Taking to X, the Israel Defense Forces confirmed the development, but said Kurilla was visiting as a "guest".
"During his visit, the general is expected to meet with the Chief of Staff and hold a situational assessment with the Minister of Defense, Mr. Yoav Gallant. The visit, during wartime, emphasizes the strong bond and mutual fate of the two nations in general, and specifically of the IDF and the US Armed Forces," the IDF posted on X.
The visit precedes an anticipated ground assault by the Israeli military in Gaza and coincides with the impending arrival of US President Joe Biden in the country, reported news agency Reuters.
In order to prevent Iran and other Iran-backed groups from getting involved in the conflict, the US military is bolstering its presence in the region. The Pentagon is expeditiously dispatching air defences and munitions to Israel. "I'm here to ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself, particularly focused on avoiding other parties expanding the conflict," General Kurilla told Reuters.
General Kurilla is also expected to outline US military support aimed at preventing an escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict. As part of its deterrence strategy, the Biden administration has deployed an aircraft carrier strike group to the eastern Mediterranean, with another carrier set to join in the coming days.
The U.S. already maintains a network of bases in the Middle East with troops, fighter aircraft, and warships. Approximately 2,000 troops have been put on standby, ready to deploy within 24 hours if notified, a significant reduction from the usual 96-hour notice.
In response to Hamas' recent attacks, Israel has imposed a total blockade on Gaza, home to 2.3 million Palestinians, and conducted unprecedented airstrikes. A ground assault by Israel is widely anticipated, with Gaza authorities reporting at least 2,800 casualties, including around a quarter being children.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in extensive talks with Israel's war cabinet on Monday and sought shelter in a bunker for five minutes during air raid sirens.
International attention is focused on the humanitarian toll, and efforts are being made to prevent the conflict from spilling over into Lebanon, where Hezbollah, backed by Iran, have been exchanging fire with Israel across the border, reported Reuters.
In a significant development, Israel ordered the evacuation of 28 villages near the Lebanese border, raising concerns that the conflict might extend to this new front. Clashes in the Lebanon border area this past week have been the deadliest since the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah.