The U.S. Navy is deploying warships to the Middle East in what officials say is a “show of support” for Israel in its military response to a Hamas surprise attack on Saturday.
Military aircraft will be moved closer to Israel, U.S. officials said. The deployment is set to commence immediately, but the ships are not expected to be in the region for several days.
The United States is also considering plans for a potential noncombatant evacuation, which would assist American citizens in leaving Israel.
No decisions or orders have been made, but officials are considering various options, including placing some Americans on Navy ships for their safety.
Americans may be among the dead and those taken hostage as Hamas militants continue to attack Israel, Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicated on Sunday morning.
“We have reports that several Americans may be among the dead,” he said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
There are several ships reportedly deploying in a show of force: The U.S. Aircraft Carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), as well as the other Ships in Carrier Strike Group 12, including: Ticonderoga-Class Cruiser USS Normandy (CG-60) and Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyers USS Ramage (DDG-61), USS McFaul (DDG-74), and