US may reduce protection of Israel - WP
General Alexus Grynkiewicz, commander of the US European Command, warned the Pentagon that without an additional destroyer, the US Navy could face a shortage of resources to protect Israel from missile attacks, and priority would be given to defending US territory. The warning came amid high fleet strain after the confrontation with Iran. Intensive use reduced the combat readiness of some destroyers at the Rota base in Spain. The group is expected to be reinforced later this year.
General Alexus Grynkiewicz, commander of the US European Command, sent a written warning to the Pentagon that US naval forces could face a shortage of resources to continue protecting Israel from missile attacks. This is reported by The Washington Post, citing sources. The general indicated that without an additional destroyer, he would have to choose between ensuring Israel's security and protecting US territory, and in case of a shortage, priority would be given to defending American territory. The warning came amid high strain on the US Navy after months of confrontation with Iran. American destroyers in the eastern Mediterranean participated in repelling missile attacks on Israel, ensured the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and took part in the blockade of Iranian ports. Intensive use led to an increase in maintenance volume and a decrease in the combat readiness of some destroyers at the Rota base in Spain. It is expected that another ship will join the group later this year. Earlier, WP reported that during the war with Iran, American forces performed a significant portion of the tasks of intercepting Iranian ballistic missiles, using THAAD systems and missile defense systems on destroyers. As of the end of the week, two destroyers were in the Mediterranean, and several more were off the coast of Spain. Additional US forces operate in the Arabian and Red Seas, including protecting navigation and countering the Houthis. A source in US security structures noted that such notifications are a standard procedure. No official comments from the US Department of Defense or the European Command have been received.