CNN —A US Marine rapid response force is headed to the waters off the coast of Israel and the Pentagon is preparing American troops for a potential deployment to the country, escalating the US’ show of force in the region as it works to prevent the conflict between Israel and Hamas from widening any further.
A defense official familiar with the planning said the rapid response force, consisting of 2,000 Marines and sailors, is being sent.
That could be particularly valuable if Israel launches a ground invasion of Gaza, which could be complicated and bloody, experts have warned.
Officials would not specify where exactly the Marine unit will now go, other than to say it is headed toward Israel.
The Wall Street Journal was first to report about the potential deployment of troops to Israel.
Persons:
Defense Lloyd Austin, Biden, Capt, Angelica White, Sabrina Singh, “, ”
Organizations:
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Locations:
Israel, Iran, Lebanese, Gaza, Middle East, Kuwait, “, Red, Bataan, Gulf of Oman, of Oman, Hormuz