US General warns more warships are needed to defend Israel

A senior US military commander has reportedly warned the Pentagon that without additional naval resources, the United States may be forced to prioritize its own national defense over the defense of Israel.

A senior US military commander has reportedly warned the Pentagon that without additional naval resources, the United States may be forced to prioritize its own national defense over the defense of Israel. The reported warning underscores the growing strain on American military capabilities amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

According to a report by The Washington Post, General Alexus Grynkewich, the top US military commander in Europe, informed Pentagon officials this week that the number of US Navy destroyers currently available is insufficient to continue defending Israel against ballistic missile threats while maintaining broader US security commitments.

The report states that General Grynkewich submitted a written assessment to senior Pentagon leaders, warning that unless another guided-missile destroyer is assigned to his command, he may have no choice but to give priority to defending the United States rather than supporting Israel’s missile defense.

US defense officials quoted in the report said the message reflects a long-standing military practice in which commanders notify the Pentagon when operational demands begin to exceed available resources. Such assessments are intended to help civilian and military leaders make decisions about force allocation and strategic priorities.

The reported warning comes as the conflict involving Iran has placed increasing pressure on US military assets over the past several months. Continuous naval operations, missile defense missions, and regional security responsibilities have stretched the availability of key warships and other defense resources.

US Navy destroyers stationed in the eastern Mediterranean have played a significant role in supporting Israel’s defense by helping intercept ballistic missiles and other aerial threats. Equipped with advanced radar systems and missile defense capabilities, these vessels have also been used to counter attacks launched by Iran-backed Houthi forces operating from Yemen.

The report noted that US European Command is responsible for coordinating military operations across Europe and the Mediterranean while also maintaining readiness to respond to potential security challenges involving NATO allies. Balancing these commitments with operations in the Middle East has become increasingly difficult as demand for naval assets continues to grow.

Despite plans to expand the US naval presence in Europe with an additional destroyer later this year, officials reportedly remain concerned about maintenance requirements and operational fatigue affecting the existing fleet. The report also said additional US naval forces, including aircraft carriers and multiple destroyers, remain deployed in the Arabian Sea and the Red Sea to support regional operations and safeguard commercial shipping routes.

The reported warning highlights the strategic challenges facing US defense planners as they seek to balance commitments to allies with broader national security priorities amid rising tensions in the Middle East