U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin put a significant number of U.S. troops on stand-by to \u2018be ready to deploy,\u2019 over the weekend, though officials say the U.S. role would not be for combat.<\/p>\n
A U.S. official confirmed with Fox News that Austin issued orders to troops that they should be ready to be deployed to the Eastern Mediterranean within 24-hours of receiving an order.<\/p>\n
Specifically, top officials say troops would be sent to advise and provide medical support to Israeli forces.<\/p>\n
The order is less of a deterrence posture like what has been seen with the mobilization of the USS Ford and USS Eisenhower strike groups in the Mediterranean, but instead appears to be a more direct support role for defense of Israel, if needed.<\/p>\n
Fox News confirmed on Monday that 2,000 U.S. troops were notified to prepare to be ready within 24 hours if needed.<\/p>\n
The order was issued just days after a special operations Marine Corps unit participating in exercises scheduled through Oct. 22 departed early \u2018as a result of emerging events.\u2019 These troops are not designated for combat roles, but for advising and medical support.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Last week, the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group arrived in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea to \u2018deter any actor seeking to escalate the situation or widen this war,\u2019 according to a press release from U.S. Command Central, and on Friday, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower departed out of Norfolk, Virginia for a \u2018scheduled deployment.\u2019<\/p>\n
White House National Security Council spokesman\u00a0John Kirby said Sunday that the Eisenhower strike group and its escort ships were heading toward the area so it would be available for regional deterrent operations.<\/p>\n
The Biden administration has continuously expressed support for Israel after the country was attacked by Hamas terrorists on October 7.<\/p>\n
\u2018We must be crystal clear: We stand with Israel,\u2019\u00a0Biden said during a speech last week. \u2018We stand with Israel. And we will make sure Israel has what it needs to take care of its citizens, defend itself and respond to this attack.<\/p>\n
Andrea Vacchiano of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.<\/p>\n