US to ‘Adjust’ Military Posture in Middle East Following Israeli Strikes in Beirut, Reports Reuters

By Trevor Hunnicutt and Kanishka Singh

President Joe Biden has instructed the Pentagon to evaluate and make necessary adjustments to the U.S. military presence in the Middle East, according to the White House, in response to Israeli airstrikes in Beirut targeting Hezbollah militants.

The recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon have resulted in numerous casualties and heightened concerns about a potential regional conflict. The U.S. has consistently provided strong military support to Israel while unsuccessfully advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon.

Biden has tasked the Pentagon with reassessing U.S. military posture in the region to strengthen deterrence, ensure the protection of U.S. forces, and support a wide range of U.S. objectives. Additionally, he has directed his team to implement appropriate protective measures for U.S. embassies in the region.

The White House indicated that Biden received multiple briefings about the situation in the Middle East on Friday, with Vice President Kamala Harris also kept informed.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel’s actions are in self-defense following the deadly October 7 attacks by Hamas militants, as well as threats posed by Iran-backed groups such as the Houthis and Hezbollah. Following the assault on Gaza, nearly all residents have been displaced, leading to a hunger crisis, and recent escalations have forced around 100,000 individuals to flee in Lebanon.