Pentagon: We will strengthen our military in the Middle East and protect Israel

(Patria) - The US wants to enhance its defensive military capabilities in the Middle East to protect its forces in the region and its ally Israel, the Pentagon announced yesterday, amid rising tensions in the region.

- US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin will take several steps to strengthen the protection of American troops in the region, provide more support to Israel, and ensure the US is prepared to respond to the developing crisis - explained Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh.

She indicated that it could involve defensive military capabilities.

Welcoming the Americans released by Russia in a large prisoner exchange, US President Joe Biden said he is very concerned about the situation in the Middle East.

He called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to conclude a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip soon.

During a phone call in the presence of Vice President Kamala Harris, Biden assured Netanyahu that the US is committed to Israel's security despite all threats from Iran.

They also discussed efforts to help Israel defend itself against threats, including threats from ballistic missiles and drones, which could include new deployments of US defensive weapons, the White House stated.

Iran and allied groups are preparing their response to the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on Wednesday, which the Palestinian group, Lebanese Hezbollah, and Tehran attribute to Israel.

His death followed an Israeli attack that killed Hezbollah military leader Fuad Shukr near Beirut the day before.

These two attacks revive fears of the war spreading throughout the Middle East, between Israel on one side, and Iran and the groups it supports in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen on the other.