Navy presence signals US bid to contain Israel-Gaza conflict
As President Joe Biden arrived Wednesday in the active war zone of Israel, he sought to reassure one of America’s closest allies.
“I want you to know you’re not alone,” the president said in the midst of meetings with Israel’s war cabinet. “We will continue to have Israel’s back.”
The point was borne out in the hours after Hamas’ brutal attacks against Israel Oct. 7 as Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced that the Pentagon would be sending the U.S. Navy’s newest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald Ford, and the rest of its strike group to stand at the ready off the coast of Israel should it be needed.
The goal, going beyond support for Israel, is to make sure hostilities don’t spread. To this end, defense officials have repeatedly
