Pentagon Bolsters Military Presence in Middle East Amid Heightened Tensions

The Pentagon is moving a fighter jet squadron to the Middle East and maintaining an aircraft carrier in the region as tensions escalate following the killing of a Hezbollah commander and a top Hamas leader. Israel is preparing for possible retaliation from Iran and its allies.

The Pentagon announced Friday that it will boost its military presence in the Middle East amid heightened tensions between Israel and its adversaries. This move comes as Israel braces for possible retaliation following the killings of a senior Hezbollah commander and a top Hamas leader.

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) recently discovered a large tunnel on the border between Gaza and Egypt, big enough to allow vehicles to pass through. The tunnel was reportedly used by Hamas terrorists to smuggle arms. The IDF has eliminated dozens of such tunnels in the area and will continue to uncover and destroy any others they find.

Pentagon Bolsters Military Presence in Middle East Amid Heightened Tensions

Tensions in the Middle East have soared following nearly 10 months of war in Gaza and the killing last week of Imad Mughniyeh, a top Hezbollah commander, in Lebanon and Mahmoud al-Mabhouh, a senior Hamas official, in Iran. Iran and its allies have blamed Israel and threatened retaliation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel is already in a "multi-front war" with Iran and its proxies and is prepared for any scenario.

Pentagon Bolsters Military Presence in Middle East Amid Heightened Tensions

The U.S. has urged Israel to seize the chance for a ceasefire in the hopes of preventing a wider regional conflict. The U.S. Embassy in Lebanon has encouraged citizens who wish to leave to do so immediately, noting that several airlines have suspended or canceled flights.

The Pentagon's decision to increase its military presence in the region is a clear indication of the escalating tensions. The U.S. will move a fighter jet squadron to the Middle East and maintain an aircraft carrier in the region.

Pentagon Bolsters Military Presence in Middle East Amid Heightened Tensions

The Pentagon's statement did not provide details on the specific location of the fighter jet squadron or aircraft carrier. However, it did note that the U.S. military is "prepared to respond to any contingency."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Pentagon Bolsters Military Presence in Middle East Amid Heightened Tensions