The Pentagon has decided to deploy a second aircraft carrier strike group to the eastern Mediterranean in an effort to deter Iran or Hezbollah from joining the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, according to U.S. officials. The USS Eisenhower carrier strike group will be joining the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group, which arrived earlier this week and is currently stationed in international waters off the coast of Israel.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed the deployment, stating, "I have directed the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (CSG) to begin moving to the Eastern Mediterranean." He further explained that this move is part of the United States' effort to prevent hostile actions against Israel and to discourage any attempts to expand the war following Hamas's attack on Israel.

U.S. officials have publicly stated that the presence of the USS Ford carrier strike group and the addition of more U.S. Air Force fighter jets in the region are meant to demonstrate unwavering support for Israel's defense and serve as a deterrent to Iran, Lebanese Hezbollah, and other proxies in the region. The goal is to dissuade these adversaries from exploiting the current situation and escalating the conflict. The deployment of the Eisenhower carrier strike group alongside the Ford will further enhance this show of force and reinforce the message of deterrence.

In addition to the deployment of the aircraft carriers, the Pentagon is also considering sending the USS Bataan amphibious assault ship closer to Israel to provide additional support if necessary. The ship, along with its rotary aircraft, could offer crucial assistance in the region. CNN initially reported this potential deployment.

The Eisenhower strike group, consisting of the aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower, the guided missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG-58), and the guided missile destroyers USS Laboon (DDG-58), USS Mason (DDG-87), and USS Gravely (DDG-107), left Norfolk, Virginia, on Saturday morning. Its original deployment was scheduled to take it to the Middle East via the Mediterranean Sea for previously planned exercises in the U.S. European Command area of responsibility. Speculation arose that the Eisenhower might be sent to join the USS Ford in the eastern Mediterranean, but a Pentagon statement only mentioned that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin would continue reviewing deployment plans for both carriers to ensure an appropriate maritime capability balance in support of national security priorities.

The USS Ford strike group, which includes the aircraft carrier USS Ford, the cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), and the destroyers USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS Carney (DDG 64), and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), arrived in the eastern Mediterranean on Tuesday.

The decision to deploy these carriers and increase the U.S. military presence in the region aims to act as a deterrent to Iran, Hezbollah, and Syria from getting involved in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The USS Eisenhower strike group comprises 8,000 sailors, four ships, and 70 aircraft.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas has escalated, resulting in significant casualties. The Hamas terror attacks on October 7th claimed the lives of at least 1,300 people, including 260 individuals at a music festival near kibbutz Re'im. In response, Israel launched retaliatory airstrikes, causing over 2,000 deaths in Hamas-controlled Gaza, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a "complete siege" on the Gaza Strip, and he recently informed troops in southern Israel that the next stage will involve a land, sea, and air invasion of the territory. The situation remains tense, and the deployment of additional military assets by the United States serves as a crucial show of support for Israel and a clear warning to potential adversaries in the region.