The latest US military deployment in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war is a guided-missile submarine sent by the US Navy to the Middle East. This significant move towards the region was announced by the military on November 5. The deployment of this submarine, which has the capability to launch nuclear missiles, appears to be a show of force aimed at containing regional tensions amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) disclosed the arrival of the Ohio-class submarine in the Central Command area which includes the Middle East. The Department of Defense unit also shared an image of the submarine passing through the Suez Canal.
Since the war began on October 7, the United States, being a close ally of Israel, has been deploying substantial military assets to the region. This includes two aircraft carriers and a significant number of fighter aircraft. Additionally, around 1,000 American soldiers have been deployed, along with undisclosed special operations commandos who are providing advisory support to the Israeli military in their operations in Gaza. The US has also taken measures to enhance the defenses of its Gulf allies. This includes the provision of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system for Saudi Arabia and the deployment of Patriot surface-to-air missile systems to Kuwait, Jordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
The purpose of this military build-up, according to Pentagon spokesperson Brigadier General Pat Ryder, is to deter regional escalation and safeguard the interests of the United States and its partners. The US has been clear in its message that it does not want the situation in Israel to escalate into a broader regional conflict. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has traveled to the region for talks with various leaders, including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.
During this period, US military assets have faced numerous attacks by Iran-allied militias in Syria and Iraq. These attacks have targeted US bases and have resulted in casualties among American military personnel. The most severe attacks occurred on October 17 and 18, injuring 21 US military personnel in al-Tanf garrison in Syria and Al Asad Air Base in Iraq.
In summary, the deployment of a US Navy guided-missile submarine to the Middle East is the latest major military reinforcement by the US in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict. This move, along with other military assets and personnel deployed in the region, is aimed at deterring further escalation and protecting US interests and those of its partners.