Israel, Greece, and Cyprus have signed a trilateral work plan for 2026 to enhance military cooperation through joint exercises, strategic dialogue, and a rapid-response force aimed at deterring Turkey's regional activities, with a focus on quick deployment in crises across land, sea, and air.
Israel, Greece, and Cyprus are considering forming a joint intervention force to counter Turkish activity in the eastern Mediterranean, primarily to protect regional strategic interests and deter Turkish military expansion, with preliminary planning underway but no concrete steps taken yet.
Five U.S. Army aviation special operations forces, including Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane M. Barnes from Sacramento, were killed in a helicopter crash during an air refueling mission in the Eastern Mediterranean. The fallen soldiers were highly decorated and part of the Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. The U.S. has increased its force presence in the region in response to recent attacks on Israel, with additional carrier strike groups, Air Force squadrons, and special operations forces deployed to assist in rescue efforts.
A U.S. military aircraft crashed during a training operation in the Eastern Mediterranean, according to the Pentagon. The incident, which was not related to hostile activity, is currently under investigation. No further details have been provided regarding the type of aircraft, branch, location, timing, or casualties. The Defense Department had recently deployed additional forces to the Middle East in response to attacks by Hamas militants and Iran-backed Shia militia groups.
The USS Mount Whitney, the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship, is heading to the Eastern Mediterranean Sea to support U.S. operations in the region amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hamas. The ship will join other U.S. assets already dispatched to the area, including two aircraft carrier strike groups and an amphibious assault ship. The Mount Whitney serves as a command ship with advanced command, control, communications, and intelligence capabilities. Its specific role upon arrival has not been disclosed.
The US has sent its second aircraft carrier, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKECSG), to the Eastern Mediterranean as part of a scheduled deployment to support maritime statecraft and deter hostile actions against Israel. The IKECSG will join the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, which arrived earlier in the week, along with squadrons of F-15, F-16, and A-10 fighter aircraft deployed by the US Air Force. These deployments demonstrate the US's commitment to Israel's security and its resolve to deter any state or non-state actor seeking to escalate the conflict. The Royal Navy has also deployed a Response Group to the region.
The United States is sending a second carrier strike group, the USS Eisenhower, to the Eastern Mediterranean as a deterrence measure amid concerns of foreign involvement in the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. The USS Eisenhower will join the USS Gerald Ford and other U.S. defense forces in the region. A carrier strike group is a powerful naval unit that includes an aircraft carrier, replenishment ship, cruiser, destroyers, and submarines, along with various types of aircraft. The U.S. currently maintains eleven carrier strike groups, with ten based in the United States and one in Japan. Carrier strike groups have the capability to strike targets from long distances and provide air, missile, and submarine defense.
The US has ordered a second aircraft carrier strike group, the USS Eisenhower, to join the USS Ford in the eastern Mediterranean near Israel as a deterrent to Iran and Hezbollah from getting involved in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The move is intended to demonstrate US support for Israel's defense and enhance the message of deterrence. The Pentagon is also considering deploying the USS Bataan amphibious assault ship closer to Israel for additional support if needed.
The United States may deploy a second aircraft carrier, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, to the eastern Mediterranean near Israel as fighting intensifies between Israeli forces and Hamas militants. The deployment, along with the USS Gerald R Ford and its strike group already ordered to the region, would signal strong U.S. military support for Israel. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will review the deployment plans, considering the balance of maritime capability across theaters in support of national security priorities. The move to potentially have two aircraft carriers in the same area is rare and could strain the Navy's resources.
The Pentagon has issued a warning to Iran and Hezbollah, urging them to reconsider joining the conflict and stating that it is prepared to defend Israel. In response, a U.S. aircraft carrier strike force is being deployed to the Eastern Mediterranean as a deterrent signal to potential proxies in the region.
The United States has ordered the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group, along with cruisers and destroyers, to sail to the Eastern Mediterranean in support of Israel following the recent attack by Hamas. The deployment aims to deter further escalation and assist Israel in retaliating against Hamas. The U.S. is also sending additional fighter aircraft squadrons and providing Israel with equipment and resources. American citizens were among those killed and missing in the conflict. President Biden discussed the situation with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and emphasized the need for unity against such brutal atrocities. The U.S. Secretary of State also engaged with counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates to halt the attacks by Hamas and secure the release of hostages. The U.S. House is preparing a bipartisan resolution expressing support for Israel and condemning Hamas.
The U.S. has sent an aircraft carrier group, including the USS Gerald R. Ford, to the eastern Mediterranean in response to Hamas' multi-front attack on Israel. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the deployment following discussions with President Biden, and additional steps have been taken to strengthen the Department of Defense's posture in the region. The move comes after several U.S. citizens were among those killed in the attacks. The U.S. will also be augmenting its Air Force fighter aircraft squadrons in the Middle East.
The US has ordered the Ford carrier strike group, including the USS Gerald R. Ford and its warplanes, to sail to the Eastern Mediterranean in support of Israel. The show of force is intended to be ready to respond to various scenarios, including intercepting weapons to Hamas and conducting surveillance. The carrier strike group was already in the Mediterranean and had been conducting naval exercises with Italy.
BP and Azerbaijan's Socar have participated in an Israeli licensing round for natural gas exploration, signaling growing international interest in the Eastern Mediterranean basin. The companies, along with Israel's NewMed Energy, jointly bid for two offshore blocks in the fourth licensing round. This move follows BP and Abu Dhabi's Adnoc offering to acquire 50% of NewMed, potentially giving them access to Israel's energy sector. The gas-rich offshore basin, spanning Egypt, Israel, Cyprus, and Lebanon, has attracted major energy companies as Europe seeks alternative gas supplies. The winners of the auction will be announced in the fourth quarter.
Egypt and Turkey have held their first diplomatic talks in a decade, with both countries agreeing to upgrade their diplomatic relations to ambassador level "as soon as possible". Ties between the two countries were strained after the removal of Mohamed Morsi, an ally of Ankara, in 2013. The two countries have also been at odds over Libya and maritime borders in the Eastern Mediterranean. While there is a promise of restoring ties, relations on a diplomatic level are still quite low, with the countries' opposing positions on Libya and the Eastern Mediterranean remaining the main sticking points.