WSJ: US Prepares 2000 Non-Combat Troops For Deployment To Israel

The Wall Street Journal has reported that, according to Pentagon officials, the US has selected roughly 2,000 troops, drawn from service people stationed inside and outside the Middle East, to prepare for a potential deployment to support Israel.

• According to the Journal, "The troops are tasked with missions like advising and medical support, the officials said, and they are from across the U.S. armed services. They aren't intended to serve in a combat role, the officials said. No infantry have been put on prepare-to-deploy order."
• WSJ continues: "It isn't clear under what circumstances the U.S. could deploy the troops or to where, but the Pentagon decision signaled it is preparing to support Israeli troops should Israel launch a ground incursion into Gaza."
• US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today to discuss, "[Blinken's] engagements with partners in the region and receiv[e] an update on the situation on the ground. The Secretary underlined his firm support for Israel’s right to defend itself from Hamas’ terrorism and reaffirmed U.S. determination to provide the Israeli government with what it needs to protect its citizens."