Middle East crisis live: Israel security cabinet authorises PM to decide ‘manner and timing’ of Golan Heights response
GuardianJul 17
US Moves Fighter Jets, Warships to Middle East
Above: Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) is underway in the waters of Western Pacific Ocean Image copyright: US Navy/Handout/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
The US is moving combat aircraft and missile-shooting warships to the Middle East, reportedly to defend Israel from potential attacks by Iran and its proxies, Lebanon and Yemen.
According to the Pentagon, besides additional ballistic missile defense-capable cruisers and destroyers, the US would replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt with the USS Abraham Lincoln.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This deployment is meant to calibrate the US response to help defend Israel quickly without appearing to escalate the conflict. Washington is committed to defending Israel, and it must ensure that its forces are prepared to respond to multiple contingencies amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
Establishment-critical narrative
This move will only ignite a broader Middle East war that could destabilize the entire region and endanger global security. Israel first assassinates perceived enemies in neighboring countries, then seeks to blame others for the violence. Instead of defending Tel Aviv, the US must focus on maintaining international stability and preventing humanitarian crises.