American defense officials said that the US military has selected about 2,000 soldiers to prepare for any possible incursion in support of Israel, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The officials said the forces are assigned tasks such as providing advice and medical support, and they are from across the US Armed Forces. Officials said they are not supposed to serve in a combat role, and no infantrymen have been placed on readiness for deployment.

Officials said troops are currently stationed inside and outside the Middle East, including Europe. It is not clear under what circumstances the United States could deploy forces or where, but the Pentagon's decision indicated that it is preparing to support Israeli forces in the event that Israel launches a ground incursion into Gaza.

The largest American aircraft carrier, the USS Ford, and its group of 12 other naval ships are anchored off the shores of Gaza, and the aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower will join it on Tuesday, to “deter” any regional attempts to support Gaza.