The commander of US European Command has privately warned the Pentagon that he lacks sufficient naval assets to continue protecting Israel from ballistic missile attacks without additional support, according to The Washington Post.
Citing US officials familiar with the matter, the newspaper reported that Gen. Alexus Grynkewich sent a written notification to senior Pentagon officials this week stating that, unless another US Navy destroyer is assigned to his command, he may be forced to prioritise the defence of the US homeland over missile defence support for Israel.
According to a US defence official, Grynkewich's message reflects the type of risk assessments routinely submitted by senior military commanders when competing for limited personnel and equipment.
The report highlights growing pressure on US military resources as operations linked to the conflict involving Iran continue.
US Navy destroyers deployed in the eastern Mediterranean have long played a key role in Israel's missile defence, using advanced radar systems and interceptor missiles to counter projectiles launched by Iran as well as Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen.
US European Command oversees these operations by coordinating military activities across the Mediterranean region.
According to The Washington Post, as of July 31, the United States had two destroyers deployed in the Mediterranean Sea and three more stationed at the naval base in Rota, Spain. The report added that an additional 11 destroyers were operating in the Arabian Sea as part of a naval task force enforcing a blockade of Iran, while another destroyer was deployed in the Red Sea.
The reported warning comes as US forces remain heavily engaged across multiple theatres in the Middle East, increasing competition for finite military resources and missile defence capabilities.
By Sabina Mammadli
