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EUCOM warns of limits
The Washington Post reported that Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, head of U.S. European Command, privately warned the Pentagon it lacks sufficient naval forces to keep protecting Israel from incoming ballistic missiles from Iran.
“he lacks sufficient naval forces to continue protecting Israel from incoming ballistic missiles”
The warning, as described by The Washington Post, said a shortage of Navy destroyers would force Grynkewich to prioritize defense of the U.S. homeland over continuing missile defense for Israel.
The Jerusalem Post reported that Israeli officials said, “we are on high alert and awaiting the president’s final decision,” amid assessments that U.S. President Donald Trump is close to deciding to resume military strikes against Iran.
The Jerusalem Post also said the U.S. Embassy updated its travel advisory, recommending that U.S. citizens in Israel consider leaving due to rising tensions or be prepared to depart if an escalation occurs.
Strain on ships and interceptors
Arab News reported that Grynkewich warned Washington may have to choose between defending Israel and prioritizing the security of the U.S. homeland as mounting demands strain American forces.
Arab News tied the pressure to the Pentagon’s concern over sustainability of current operations while Washington also seeks to protect commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
Anadolu Ajansı reported that the Navy has faced growing pressure after the Trump administration ordered a blockade of Iranian ports following Tehran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Ynetnews reported that the Navy currently operates five destroyers from the American naval base in Rota, Spain, with a sixth due to join them later this year, while officials said maintenance backlogs have left fewer vessels available.
What happens next
The Washington Post said the shortage of Navy destroyers would force prioritization, and the report framed it as an illustration of how the ongoing Iran war has imposed constraints on the military.
“defense of the United States "homeland" over Israel would have to be prioritized”
International Business Times reported that Grynkewich sent written notification to senior Pentagon aides saying that without another Navy destroyer, defense of the United States “homeland” over Israel would have to be prioritized.
The Jerusalem Post reported that Israeli officials said Israel is not aware of a decision to fully resume military activity and has not been asked to join any military action against Iran, while Israel’s working assumption is that any major strike on Iran would likely draw Israel into the conflict.
The Jerusalem Post also reported that US embassies in Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq issued similar warnings as the U.S. Embassy in Israel updated its travel advisory.
