U.S. Extends Aircraft Carrier Deployment in Mediterranean Amid Ongoing Israel-Hamas Conflict

The Pentagon's decision underscores concerns about regional volatility as Defense Minister Yoav Gallant predicts a drawn-out war with Hamas.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and the USS Normandy cruiser to remain in the Mediterranean Sea for several more weeks to maintain a two-carrier presence near Israel as its war with Hamas continues.
The decision to extend the Ford’s deployment for the third time underscores the continued concerns about volatility in the region during Israel’s war in Gaza.
The Pentagon increased its military presence in the region after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks to deter Iran from escalating the war into a regional conflict.
As of Friday, there are 19 U.S. warships in the region, including seven in the eastern Mediterranean and 12 more stretched down the Red Sea, across the Arabian Sea and up into the Persian Gulf.
Israel’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant, said it will take months to destroy Hamas, predicting a drawn-out war.