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Senior US general flies into Israel as its war with Hamas deepens
17 October 2023 13:26
The top US general overseeing American forces in the Middle East made an unannounced trip to Israel on October 17, saying he hoped to ensure its military has what it needs as it fights a deepening war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
The trip by Army General Michael "Erik" Kurilla, head of US Central Command, is the latest by a senior US official to Israel ahead of an expected ground assault by Israel's military in Gaza. It comes a day before a planned visit by US President Joe Biden to the country.
The US military is increasing its firepower in the region, aiming to prevent Iran and other Iran-backed groups from getting involved in the conflict as international fears of a wider, regional war grow.
The Pentagon is also rushing weaponry, including air defences and munitions, to Israel.
"I'm here to ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself, particularly focused on avoiding other parties expanding the conflict," Kurilla told Reuters, which is traveling with him, in brief remarks before landing.
A US official told Reuters Kurilla was scheduled to hold high-level meetings with Israel's military leadership, ensuring a clear understanding of the close US ally's defence requirements.
Kurilla was also expected to outline US military support aimed at avoiding an expansion of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Washington has deployed an aircraft carrier strike group to the eastern Mediterranean and is sending another carrier to the region in the coming days moves the Biden administration says are meant as a deterrent, not a provocation.
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