US deploys warships closer to Israel

(Patria) - President Joe Biden ordered ships and warplanes to move closer to Israel in a show of support on Sunday, and sent new military aid, AFP reported.

The Pentagon announced it is sending the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and its escort ships to the eastern Mediterranean, while strengthening fighter jet squadrons in the region.

The United States, Israel's main arms supplier, quickly affirmed its support for Israel following Saturday's surprise attack by Hamas from the Gaza Strip, promising "rock-solid" support and warning other parties to stay away from the conflict.

Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and "conveyed that additional assistance for the Israeli Defense Forces is now on its way to Israel and more will follow in the coming days," the White House said.

"The leaders also discussed ongoing efforts to ensure that no enemy of Israel believes they can or should seek to take advantage of the current situation," the statement said.

The US President further "pledged his full support to the government and people of Israel in confronting the unprecedented and horrific assault by Hamas terrorists."

Hamas later accused the United States in a statement of "actual participation in the aggression against our people" by moving the aircraft carrier.

Amid rising tensions, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said he was sending forces to "bolster regional deterrence efforts" following discussions with Biden. In addition to the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, the deployment includes a guided-missile cruiser and four guided-missile destroyers, according to Austin's statement.

"The United States government will rapidly supply the Israeli Defense Forces with additional equipment and resources, including munitions," added Austin, who also spoke with his Israeli counterpart on Sunday.