According to Pentagon sources, some 2,000 US troops have been instructed to be ready to deploy in response to the intensifying crisis between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's "ready to deploy" order "increases DoD's capacity to respond rapidly to the dynamic security situation in the Middle East," Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh stated in a release Tuesday. "At this moment, no decisions have been taken to send any forces." The Secretary will continue to examine our troop posture and communicate closely with friends and partners."

If the preparations result in a deployment, US forces from various units deployed in the Middle East and Europe are anticipated to provide support.