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NBCJun 19
Report: US Readies to Evacuate Americans From Lebanon
Image copyright: Omar Marques/Stinger/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
As cross-border clashes continue to escalate between Israeli forces and Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon, the US Dept. of Defense is moving military assets closer to the region over fears American citizens may soon need to be evacuated from Lebanon, US military officials told NBC News on Thursday.
According to the publication's sources, the Pentagon moved the USS Wasp — an amphibious assault ship — to the Mediterranean on Wednesday. There, it joined the USS Oak Hill, a dock landing ship, in the case that US Marines were needed to carry out what is known as a "Military Assisted Departure."
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The US is doing all it can to prevent a war between Israel and Iran's Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon. This move is simply to ensure that if that worst-case scenario takes place, the US is best placed to take immediate action, rather than to lag behind in its response.
Pro-Israel narrative
While Israel is thankful to the US for ammunition and intelligence sharing, America's policy on Hezbollah — which it considers a terrorist group — is bewildering. Americans need to realize that pushing back the Iran-backed group is essential for Israel's national security — and it's in the US interest as well.
Pro-Iran narrative
The regional resistance is an essential bulwark against Israel's occupation, as well as Israel's increasing attacks on Lebanon. Iran will continue these important efforts to resist the crimes of the Israeli regime and will not hesitate to escalate its response if Israel does not end its ongoing aggression.