Israeli officials in Tel Aviv have expressed their displeasure with Washington's decision to withdraw an aircraft carrier from the Middle East, Channel 12 reported, citing its sources. The officials are seeking clarification from the American administration.
The same source indicated that Tel Aviv attempted to dissuade the United States from the move in the midst of tensions with Lebanon and potential escalations on the northern border. Israel is concerned that the withdrawal of the U.S. aircraft carrier comes at an inconvenient time and fears that this might lead to a perception in Lebanon and Gaza that Israel's power has weakened.
Amos Harel, a military analyst at Haaretz newspaper, fears that the decrease of U.S maritime presence in the eastern Mediterranean Sea "does not bode well," suggesting it could signal Tehran not to escalate the already tense situation in the region.
Earlier on Tuesday, the U.S. Navy announced that the aircraft carrier "Gerald Ford" would be returning to its base in Virginia, leaving the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The carrier had been deployed to support Israel following the outbreak of war on October 7th.
The U.S. aircraft carrier became a powerful symbol of American support for Israel after its swift deployment towards the region.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin extended the carrier's stay three times, hoping that its presence would deter Iran and other groups from attacking Israel.
Tehran faces accusations from Washington and Tel Aviv of indirectly engaging in the conflict — launching attacks against American and Israeli targets — allegations that Iran denies.
There has been a recent increase in attacks on bases housing U.S. military forces in Syria and Iraq, coinciding with regional tensions amid American support for Israel in its war against Palestinian resistance factions in Gaza.
The U.S. Navy stated that the Department of Defense will continue to bolster its collective strength position in the region to deter any state or non-state actors from escalating the crisis beyond the Gaza Strip.
