US deploys warships and fighter jets to protect Israel from Hamas, Iran and Hezbollah triple whammy

The Pentagon on Friday (Aug 2) confirmed that the US military will deploy additional fighter jets and navy warships in the Middle East as Israel faces the triple threat of Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah in light of recent events.

US Secretary of Defense, Llyod Austin, approved the decision to send Navy cruisers and destroyers that can shoot down ballistic missiles, to the region. Washington will also be sending an additional squadron of fighters jets to the Middle East.

“Austin has ordered adjustments to US military posture designed to improve US force protection, to increase support for the defence of Israel and to ensure the United States is prepared to respond to various contingencies,” the Pentagon said in a statement, adding that its commitment to defend Israel was "ironclad".

Israel has been bracing for an impact after back-to-back assassinations of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut were linked to it.

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Washington is especially wary after Iranian Supreme LeaderAyatollah Ali Khamenei said avengingHaniyeh's blood was their 'duty' and vowed retaliation against Israel.

“The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our house and made us bereaved,"Khamenei said.

“We consider it our duty to avenge his blood in this bitter and difficult incident that happened in the territory of the Islamic Republic,” he added.

Both Hamas and Tehran have claimed that Israel is responsible for the assassination but Tel Aviv is yet to acknowledge or rejected the claims.However, a New York Times report claimed that Israel had briefed the United States and other Western governments on the details of the operation in the immediate aftermath.

White House believes a response from Tehran might be similar to the barrage ofballistic missiles and drones it launched against Israel on April 13.However, there is anticipation that the attack could be larger and more complicated, including the possibility of a coordinated attack with Iranian proxies from multiple directions.

Reports emerged on Friday thatKhamenei had held a conversation with the regional allies about the potential combined attack. Tisha B’Av, the day when Jews lament the destruction of the first and second Temples is being designated as the day of the launch of the attacks against Tel Aviv.

(With inputs from agencies)