Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced on Sunday that he has instructed the Ford carrier strike group to navigate towards the Eastern Mediterranean in order to be prepared to support Israel in the aftermath of the Hamas attack, which has resulted in over 1,000 casualties on both sides. It has been reported that Americans are among the victims who have perished or are currently missing.

The USS Gerald R. Ford, the Navy’s most recent and highly sophisticated aircraft carrier, along with its crew of approximately 5,000 sailors and array of fighter jets, will be accompanied by cruisers and destroyers. This formidable display of power aims to remain prepared for any situation, including the potential interception of further weapons shipments to Hamas and the undertaking of surveillance activities.

The substantial deployment indicates the United States’ intention to discourage any territorial expansion of the conflict in the region. However, the Israeli government officially declared war on Sunday and authorized significant military actions in response to Hamas.

Based on initial information received by the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, it has been reported that a minimum of four U.S. citizens lost their lives in the attacks, with an additional seven individuals currently unaccounted for. These figures may fluctuate as a comprehensive assessment is carried out. The source, who preferred to remain anonymous, emphasized that the majority, if not all, of those deceased or missing hold dual U.S.-Israeli citizenship.

The United States is also deploying several naval vessels, including the USS Normandy cruiser and the destroyers USS Thomas Hudner, USS Ramage, USS Carney, and USS Roosevelt, in addition to the Ford aircraft carrier. Furthermore, the U.S. is strengthening its presence in the region by reinforcing air force squadrons with F-35, F-15, F-16, and A-10 fighter aircraft.

Defense Secretary Austin stated that the United States maintains forces that are prepared and deployed worldwide to enhance deterrence, should the need arise.

Furthermore, the Biden administration plans to promptly supply the Israel Defense Forces with extra resources and equipment, including munitions. Secretary of Defense Austin emphasized that the initial security assistance will commence transportation today and be delivered in the near future.

The carrier strike group, which is based in Norfolk, Virginia, was already located in the Mediterranean. Just recently, it was engaged in naval exercises alongside Italy in the Ionian Sea. This deployment marks the carrier’s first complete mission.

Pentagon and State Department officials provided a briefing to senators on Sunday evening. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer confirmed that they were assured of the United States’ commitment to provide Israel with comprehensive support.

During an unclassified briefing, the New York Democrat expressed their satisfaction as they inquired the Defense Department representatives about their provision of comprehensive support to Israel. He was pleased to hear them confirming that they are indeed meeting all of Israel’s requirements and increasing their assistance.

“I asked them if they have denied any requests that Israel has made, and they said no. I urged them to ensure Israel has everything it needs to protect itself, and reiterated that the Senate stands ready to deliver on additional needs,”

Majority Leader Chuck Schumer

During a recent phone call, President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the issue of Hamas terrorists taking hostages, including innocent families, the elderly, and young children. In a statement from the White House, it was highlighted that Biden emphasized the importance of global unity when faced with such heinous acts.

The White House informed Netanyahu, the President of Israel, about the ongoing diplomatic efforts by the United States. They also assured him that additional assistance will be provided to the Israeli forces, with more support to follow in the coming days.

During their discussion, they also explored methods to guarantee that no individuals or groups harboring ill intentions towards Israel perceive or attempt to exploit the present circumstances for their benefit.

As part of the U.S. effort to deter further escalation, Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates on Sunday. In each call, he encouraged each country’s “continued engagement” and “highlighted the United States’ unwavering focus on halting the attacks by Hamas and securing the release of all hostages,” department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in separate statements on the three calls.

In the United States House of Representatives, the leaders of the Foreign Affairs Committee are getting ready to present a nonpartisan resolution expressing support for Israel and denouncing the “Hamas’ brutal conflict.” This resolution is anticipated to be one of the initial matters discussed for voting following the election of a new speaker in the House.

“Now is the time to show the world the United States firmly stands with our friend and ally Israel in our condemnation of this heinous attack by Iran-backed terrorists,”

Committee Chairman, Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas

The selection process is set to begin privately in a Tuesday evening forum, organized by the Majority Republicans, where candidates will have the opportunity to speak to their colleagues. The true competition may arise as early as Wednesday, when the House reconvenes.