WASHINGTON (Reuters) – On Monday, the United States confirmed the deaths of nine Americans in Israel during the violence caused by the Hamas terror attacks in Israel.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and 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,” a spokesperson for the National Security Council said in a statement.
Following the announcement of the American deaths and as a show of support for Israel following the nation’s weekend attack by the Islamic terrorist group Hamas that left hundreds dead, the U.S. military on Sunday announced plans to position a number of Navy ships and military aircraft closer to Israel.
“My thoughts continue to be with the people of Israel and the many families who have lost loved ones as a result of the abhorrent terrorist attack by Hamas,” Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said in a news release. “Today, in response to this Hamas attack on Israel and following detailed discussions with President Biden, I have directed several steps to strengthen the Department of Defense posture in the region to bolster regional deterrence efforts.”
(Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk and Katharine Jackson)
