The US Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said on Monday that it would require additional funding from Congress to guarantee that the Pentagon’s weapons production and acquisition plans adequately meet the demands of both Israel and Ukraine.
Israel, America’s closest Middle Eastern partner, has declared war after an unprecedented attack by Palestinian terrorist organisation Hamas killed hundreds on Saturday.
In the aftermath of the attacks, Washington has pledged Israel aid, including ammunition, with the first shipment of security assistance scheduled to arrive in days.
US Army Requests Congress Support
Wormuth said that the US Army was still in the “early stages” of assessing Israel’s requests for support, including whether any assistance would impact US military readiness. The US has conducted similar evaluations while assessing Ukrainian requests for assistance.
Additionally, Wormuth stated at an Army event, “One thing that is really important in terms of the munitions in particular, and our ability to support both potentially the Israelis and the Ukrainians simultaneously, is additional funding from Congress to be able to increase our capacity, in terms of our capacity to expand production and then to also pay for the munitions themselves.”
Army Chief of Staff General Randy George indicated hope, adding, “I am confident that we’ll be able to provide them what they’ve asked for.” Reportedly, neither George nor Wormuth provided any specifics.
US Army chief says Congress must act to ensure arms to both Israel and Ukraine
— The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) October 9, 2023
REUTERS
The US Army on Monday said it would need Congress to approve additional funding to ensure the Pentagon's munitions production and acquisition plans can potentially meet the needs of both…
US Helps Israel Against Hamas Attack
Since the attack on Saturday, US Defence Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III has been working to make it clear that the US firmly supports Israel’s right to defend itself.
Over the weekend, Austin talked with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. According to the official, Austin is receiving operational updates and is acquainted with what equipment and capabilities Israel requires to defend itself.
The US is “surging” in its assistance for Israel, including air defence systems and missiles. “We remain in constant, ongoing contact with our counterparts in Israel to determine, and then support, their most urgent requirements,” the official added.
Sources indicate that the US is also increasing its presence in the region. Austin dispatched the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. The aircraft carrier has an air wing on board and cruisers and destroyers. The force will perform marine and aviation operations to guarantee regional stability.
Additionally, Austin has directed the deployment of additional Air Force F-35, F-15, F-16, and A-10 fighter aircraft to units in the region.
Palestinian video creator, Ahmed Hijazi, documents the early hours of Tuesday, as Gaza’s hospitals are witnessing an influx of patients, many with serious injuries, including children and elderly, as Israel continues to pound the besieged territory with airstrikes and artillery pic.twitter.com/vPJ1NmDcs5
— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) October 10, 2023
Current Situation in Israel
Israel launched airstrikes on the Gaza Strip on Monday, continuing its retaliation to a surprise attack launched by the Palestinian terrorist organisation Hamas on Saturday morning.
The Israel Defence Forces reported that around 900 Israelis have been killed. More than 100 Israeli citizens, soldiers, and foreign nationals have also been detained by Hamas, prompting Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to declare war.
Israeli ministers have ordered a “complete siege” of the already-blocked and impoverished Gaza Strip, closing off food, water, and electrical supplies to its nearly two million residents.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, Israeli attacks have killed over 680 people and injured over 3,700 others. Meanwhile, the Palestinian president has urged the UN to intervene quickly to stop “ongoing Israeli aggression, particularly in Gaza.”
As we continue to account for the horrors of the terrorist assault against Israel this weekend and the hundreds of civilians murdered, we are seeing the immense scale and reach of this tragedy.
— President Biden (@POTUS) October 9, 2023
Sadly, we now know that at least 11 American citizens were among those killed. pic.twitter.com/64GmhuoRob
Biden’s Response
US President Joe Biden claimed that at least 11 American citizens were killed in Israel due to Hamas’ weekend strikes. In his statement, Biden said that Washington believes that US citizens are among those being held hostage by Hamas.
Biden further mentioned that the US was working with Israeli officials to learn more about the locations of US citizens who are still missing. “For American citizens who are currently in Israel, the State Department is providing consular assistance as well as updated security alerts,” he added.
“For those who desire to leave, commercial flights and ground options are still available,” Biden said, highlighting that people should take proper precautions and follow the advice of local authorities.
The US president assured that he had asked his team to work with Israeli counterparts on all aspects of the hostage situation, including exchanging intelligence and sending US government experts.