Mahmud Hams/AFP through Getty Images
An Israeli missile launched from the Iron Dome defence missile system makes an attempt to intercept a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip over town of Netivot in southern Israel on October 8, 2023.
Washington
CNN
—
Nine US citizens have died in the conflict in Israel, a US National Security Council spokesperson mentioned Monday.
“At this time, we can confirm the death of nine U.S. citizens. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and to the families of all those affected, and wish those injured a speedy recovery. We continue to monitor the situation closely and remain in touch with our Israeli partners, particularly the local authorities,” the spokesperson mentioned in an announcement.
The spokesperson added, “We continue to monitor the situation closely and remain in touch with our Israeli partners, particularly the local authorities.”
US authorities have been scrambling to ascertain what number of Americans have been killed or taken hostage in the battle. Secretary of State Antony Blinken instructed CNN’s Dana Bash on “State of the Union” Sunday that the US was “working overtime” to confirm reviews of lacking and dead Americans, and Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer mentioned Americans are among the many “scores” of hostages being held in Gaza.
State Department spokesman Matt Miller instructed CNN’s Phil Mattingly on Monday that US authorities are in shut contact with Israel’s authorities and the households of these affected by the assault.
The US has pledged to offer extra navy help in the approaching days, although home political dysfunction might hamper the response.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin introduced on Sunday that he has ordered the US Navy’s Ford provider strike group to the japanese Mediterranean, close to Israel. The USS Gerald Ford is the Navy’s most superior plane provider and it’s being deployed to the world, together with a guided missile cruiser and 4 destroyers, as a deterrence measure, Austin mentioned.
But the present commander of the US Navy’s fifth fleet, which is answerable for US naval operations in the Middle East area together with the Red Sea and Gulf of Oman, is still awaiting promotion to deputy commander of US Central Command, which oversees US forces and operations in the area following a maintain by Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville over navy confirmations.
Meanwhile, because the Biden administration seems to offer extra help to Israel, officials were unsure over the weekend about what could possibly be completed with no sitting speaker. Acting Speaker Patrick McHenry has little energy outdoors of recessing, adjourning or recognizing speaker nominations, and it’s unclear whether or not he can take part in intelligence briefings on the disaster.
Administration officers mentioned they are going to look to the present $100 million in Presidential Drawdown Authority, which permits the speedy dispatch of weapons from present shares, to ship extra support instantly, in keeping with an individual acquainted with the dialogue. The drawdown will possible want extra funds from Congress, the officers instructed lawmakers.
This story has been up to date with extra background data.