US President Joe Biden informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a phone call today (Sunday), that additional American military assistance is on its way to Israel. Today, the Pentagon announced that it will provide ammunition and equipment to Israel and will strengthen American forces in the Middle East in response to attacks launched by the Hamas movement.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said in a statement, “The United States government will quickly provide the Israel Defense Forces with additional equipment and resources, including ammunition.” He added that he directed the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and its accompanying warships to the eastern Mediterranean, adding that Washington is working to strengthen fighter aircraft squadrons in the region.

He continued: “This includes the US Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Normandy, in addition to the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Thomas Hudner, USS Ramage, and USS Carney, and the USS Roosevelt.” He said: “We have also taken steps to strengthen the US Air Force’s F-35, F-15, F-16 and A-10 fighter aircraft squadrons in the region.”

He said that sending American ships, aircraft, and aid to Israel “reflects the strong American support for the Israeli Defense Forces and the Israeli people.”

This announcement comes after a senior US administration official confirmed yesterday that high-level discussions are taking place between American and Israeli officials regarding military aid.

The White House said that national security officials briefed Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on the situation in Israel early today, and the President and Vice President will continue to receive updated information on developments.

Biden delivered a speech yesterday in which he pledged to provide support to Israel, Washington's main ally in the Middle East, after the surprise attack launched by Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of more than 700 people on the Israeli side.