If more warships are not provided, the US will have to choose between defending the US or Israel: US general warns
According to the US newspaper, the most senior US general stationed in Europe has warned the Pentagon that they do not have the naval resources needed to protect Israel from ballistic missile attacks.
According to the US newspaper Washington Post, General Alexis Grinkiewicz, head of the US European Command, privately wrote to the Pentagon this week that if they are not provided with another destroyer, they will have to choose between defending the US and defending Israel.
A US defense official said that Grinkiewicz’s warning is consistent with previous messages of this type that senior military officials give when they face threats that require Washington’s attention.
According to the report, the US Navy is currently under pressure due to President Trump’s order to blockade Iran.
According to the newspaper, US Navy destroyers deployed in the eastern Mediterranean have been playing a role in Israel’s defense for several years.
These warships are equipped with powerful radars and various missiles and are capable of shooting down missiles fired not only by Iran but also by Yemen’s Houthi fighters.
The US military’s European Command plays a central role in Israel’s defense because it oversees military operations in the Mediterranean, while its forces also have to be prepared for possible Russian intervention in areas protected by the NATO alliance.
According to Pentagon officials, five US Navy destroyers are deployed from a base in Rota, Spain.
According to a US official, two destroyers were in the Mediterranean on Friday, while three were in Rota.
A US naval fleet is in the Arabian Sea near Iran, consisting of two aircraft carriers and at least 15 other warships, including 11 destroyers.
Another destroyer is deployed in the Red Sea, where Yemen’s Houthi fighters are trying to block the movement of commercial ships.