On the heels of a massive surprise attack launched by the terrorist group Hamas against Israel, the U.S. military is moving assets closer to the region to offer support for Jerusalem. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced that the Pentagon is moving the U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to the Eastern Mediterranean.

As RedState's Ward Clark reported, the move comes as Israel is engaged in a bloody conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The U.S. military is moving an aircraft carrier strike group and military aircraft closer to Israel as a show of support, and will also begin supplying Israel with munitions and other military supplies immediately, said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

Austin said Sunday afternoon that he had directed the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to go to the Eastern Mediterranean. The group includes the carrier, a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser, and four Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers. “We have also taken steps to augment U.S Air Force F-35, F-15, F-16, and A-10 fighter aircraft squadrons in the region,” he said. “In addition, the United States government will be rapidly providing the Israel Defense Forces with additional equipment and resources, including munitions. The first security assistance will begin moving today and arriving in the coming days."

“Strengthening our joint force posture, in addition to the materiel support that we will rapidly provide to Israel, underscores the United States’ ironclad support for the Israel Defense Forces and the Israeli people,” said Austin. “My team and I will continue to be in close contact with our Israeli counterparts to ensure they have what they need to protect their citizens and defend themselves against these heinous terrorist attacks.”

The hostilities have prompted concern across the globe. Israeli officials reported at least 700 casualties, with many taken hostage during the initial attack. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) quickly launched a counterstrike and is currently rooting out Hamas operatives in the region. U.S. munitions and other military resources are slated to arrive in the next few days.

In a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Joe Biden confirmed “rock solid” support for the security of the Jewish state. Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, commander of Central Command, explained that the agency “stands firmly with our Israeli and regional partners to address the risks of any party seeking to expand the conflict.”

The warships being sent to the region will not only provide military assistance to Israel but could also be used to help facilitate the evacuation of non-combatants and Americans in the area.

As Israel continues its war against Hamas, it now faces another threat coming on its northern border from Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, which has had numerous violent confrontations with the IDF over the years.

Opinions in the U.S. to the outbreak of violence have been mixed, with many expressing solidarity with Israel and others using the incident to attack the country. Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, who is also running for president, said during an interview that the attack shows that “America needs to wake up.”

We don’t need to wait for another 9/11. You also look at the fact that, Kristen, America is incredibly distracted and incredibly divided and when America’s distracted the world is less safe.

And look at what happened to Israel. They waited for them to be distracted and that’s when your enemies move in. America needs to wake up.