Top U.S. General Warns Pentagon He Lacks Forces to ‘Protect’ Israel: Report

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ridge Leoni/U.S. Navy via AP

A top U.S. general is reportedly warning the Pentagon he does not have the resources to “protect” Israel from incoming ballistic missiles amid the ongoing Iran war.

The Washington Post’s Dan Lamothe reported on Saturday that Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, the head of U.S. European Command, sent a written warning to leaders at the Pentagon saying that “without another Navy destroyer he will be forced to choose defense of the United States ‘homeland’ over that of Israel,” according to officials speaking on the condition of anonymity.

Grynkewich is requesting another Navy destroyer ship in order to “protect” Israel.

The warning comes as the U.S. military has stretched resources to create a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. naval destroyers are typically deployed to the eastern Mediterranean Sea, and have been for years in the effort to protect Israel.

According to The Post:

The Navy has five destroyers that deploy from a U.S. port in Rota, Spain, with a sixth expected to arrive there later this year, Pentagon officials have said. But maintenance issues have piled up due to the Iran war’s tempo, complicating matters for Grynkewich, officials said. The Washington Post withheld specific details about the ships’ availability at the request of military officials, who cited security concerns.

The Pentagon has sent destroyers and aircraft carriers closer to Iran to keep a blockade going. A temporary peace agreement with Iran has crumbled, leading to fresh strikes being exchanged between Iran and the United States.

There are reportedly 11 destroyers deployed near Iran and two aircraft carriers. Another destroyer has been deployed to the Red Sea where Houthis in Yemen are attempting their own blockade.

The Strait, where roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply moves through, has been at the center of reigniting tensions between Iran and the U.S., with Iran continuing to target and charge tolls on ships amid ceasefire negotiations.

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