One day after President Joe Biden denied plans to send more U.S. troops to the Middle East, the Pentagon confirmed additional military personnel would be deployed in response to rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
During a press conference, Biden was directly asked if he would send more troops amid escalating violence between Israeli and Hezbollah forces. He replied simply, “No.” Less than 24 hours later, the Pentagon announced a shift in strategy, confirming the deployment of additional troops.
Pentagon spokesperson Brigadier General Pat Ryder did not specify how many personnel would be deployed or their mission.
Yesterday: Biden answers “No” when he was asked if he’ll deploy more troops to the Middle East.
Today: Pentagon announces that more U.S. troops are being deployed to the Middle East.
Somebody’s running the country and it definitely it’s Joe Biden.pic.twitter.com/xhMIfnUS1w
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) September 30, 2024
“In light of increased tensions in the Middle East, and out of an abundance of caution, we are sending a small number of additional U.S. military personnel to bolster our forces already in the region,” Ryder said. “For operational security reasons, I cannot provide further details.”
The U.S. currently has about 40,000 troops in the Middle East.
The deployment follows significant Israeli airstrikes on targets inside Lebanon, resulting in hundreds of casualties, including the Friday killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Israel is reportedly preparing for further military operations. On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning to Lebanese civilians in a televised message, urging them to evacuate ahead of an anticipated escalation in Israel’s air campaign.
President Joe Biden arrives to deliver remarks in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on September 30 in Washington, D.C. Less than 24 hours after Biden denied sending more troops, the Pentagon confirmed new deployments to the Middle East amid Israel’s offensive in Lebanon.
Kent Nishimura/Getty Images
His message came as Israeli warplanes bombarded suspected Hezbollah targets in southern and eastern Lebanon.
Meanwhile, the U.S. is actively working to manage the growing conflict. A senior State Department official announced that the U.S. has “concrete ideas” to restore calm along the Israel-Lebanon border that will be presented to allies and partners during the U.N. General Assembly this week.
The U.S. has already increased its military presence in the region because of ongoing conflicts, especially in Gaza. Over the past year, about 6,000 additional U.S. troops have been deployed to the Middle East. Despite the troop increases, the Biden administration has repeatedly stressed its focus on de-escalation and the prevention of a broader regional war.
Biden, speaking ahead of a meeting with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, confirmed he had been briefed on Israel’s recent strikes in Lebanon. He emphasized ongoing diplomatic efforts, saying: “I remain in contact with our counterparts, and we’re working to de-escalate in a way that allows people to return home safely.”
In addition to Biden’s efforts, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been pressing for a diplomatic solution. Over the weekend, he held several conversations with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, advocating for a ceasefire and a reduction in tensions, according to Ryder.
“Given the current tensions and the escalation, there is the potential for a wider regional conflict,” Ryder warned. “I don’t think we’re there yet, but it’s a dangerous situation.”
As tensions rise, the State Department has urged American citizens to leave Lebanon because of the increasing risk of a broader conflict.
“Given the unpredictable nature of the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, and recent explosions across Lebanon, including in Beirut, the U.S. Embassy strongly urges U.S. citizens to depart Lebanon while commercial flights remain available,” the State Department cautioned on Saturday.
