Hegseth directs more defensive resources to Middle East amid Israeli conflict with Iran

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday announced he directed more resources to the Middle East over the weekend in order to bolster U.S. defensive capabilities in the region amid a conflict between Israel and Iran. 

The conflict began last week after Israel launched a preemptive air campaign against the Iranian nuclear program and key regime and military officials. The United States has largely stayed out of the fight so far, but American forces have been involved in helping Israel shoot down Iranian projectiles.

Hegseth did not disclose what military capabilities he sent to the region, but Reuters reported earlier Monday that a large number of U.S. military refueling aircraft and an aircraft carrier have been sent to Europe to help give the U.S. options in responding to the conflict. 

"Protecting U.S. forces is our top priority and these deployments are intended to enhance our defensive posture in the region," Hegseth said in a post on X. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has encouraged the United States to get more involved in the conflict, claiming eliminating Iran as a potential nuclear power would benefit the country because Iran does not like the U.S.

"Today, it's Tel Aviv. Tomorrow, it's New York," he warned. "Look, I understand 'America First.' I don't understand 'America Dead.'"

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.