Israeli media reports that General Alexus Grynkewich, commander of U.S. European Command, warned the Pentagon that he lacks sufficient naval forces to continue defending Israel against ballistic missile threats. Grynkewich stated that without an additional destroyer, he would be forced to choose between protecting the U.S. homeland and defending Israel. The warning, first reported by The Washington Post, notes that only two U.S. warships are currently deployed in the eastern Mediterranean, with a third in the Red Sea.
Israeli media outlets ynet and N12 have confirmed and publicized the Washington Post report that General Alexus Grynkewich, commander of U.S. European Command, warned the Pentagon that he lacks sufficient naval forces to continue defending Israel against ballistic missile threats. The general stated that without an additional destroyer, he would be forced to choose between protecting the U.S. homeland and defending Israel. The warning, which has drawn significant attention in Jerusalem, underscores the strain on American naval resources amid competing global commitments.
The story was first reported by The Washington Post at 14:53 Jerusalem on Saturday, and The Zioneer published three updates on the same day, the latest detailing the current deployment of two U.S. warships in the eastern Mediterranean and a third in the Red Sea. Israeli media coverage expanded Saturday evening, with ynet and N12 independently citing the report and confirming its details.
The warning comes against a backdrop of broader U.S. military resource constraints. As The Zioneer reported on Friday, June 12, the Pentagon plans to cut U.S. fighter jets assigned to NATO in Europe from 150 to 100. On Tuesday, July 21, a U.S. official told The Washington Post that the Pentagon's air defense and long-range munitions stockpiles are too depleted to sustain operations safely. The U.S. currently maintains approximately 50,000 troops across the Middle East, operating from two aircraft carriers and 18 destroyers, as The Zioneer reported on June 10.
The report is based on an internal message from Grynkewich to Pentagon officials. It remains unclear whether the Pentagon will allocate additional naval assets to the region or how the Trump administration will respond to the commander's assessment.
7 developments
- StrongUS official warns Pentagon lacks sufficient munitions for sustained operations, says White House may not be aware
- DevelopingUS Embassy in Israel advises Americans across Middle East to consider leaving or prepare for escalation
- DevelopingUS Defense Secretary warns Europe of 'new invasion' via southern coasts
- StrongReport: Pentagon to cut US fighter jets assigned to NATO in Europe from 150 to 100
Source and signal
- Open-source intake