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US Lacks Sufficient Military Strength to Defend Israel in Prolonged Conflict: American General
The United States does not have sufficient military resources to simultaneously defend Israel and protect its own forces and interests in the Middle East if a conflict with Iran becomes prolonged, according to General Alexus Grynkewich, commander of the U.S. European Command.
His remarks have reignited debate over the readiness of the U.S. military and the state of its weapons stockpiles.
According to reports by The Washington Post and other media outlets, General Grynkewich warned that the United States may not have enough naval assets to both shield Israel from Iranian missile attacks and safeguard American interests across the Middle East at the same time.
He reportedly told Pentagon officials in private that the ongoing tensions with Iran are placing increasing pressure on U.S. naval forces deployed in the region. He cautioned that unless another U.S. Navy destroyer is deployed to the Middle East, military commanders could eventually face a difficult choice between protecting American forces or continuing missile defense operations for Israel.
The report notes that the warning carries significant weight not only because of concerns over military resources, but also because it comes from one of the United States’ most senior military leaders.
General Grynkewich is not an outside analyst but a senior officer responsible for overseeing major U.S. military operations. His comments reflect growing concern within the Pentagon that America’s expanding global military commitments are stretching its existing capabilities.
The U.S. Navy’s advanced missile-defense destroyers currently play a crucial role in protecting Israeli airspace. Equipped with sophisticated radar systems, these warships can detect long-range ballistic missiles and intercept them using SM-3 and SM-6 missiles.
At the same time, these destroyers are among the U.S. military’s most valuable strategic assets. They are also needed in the Indo-Pacific to deter China, in Europe to reassure NATO allies, and in the Middle East to protect American bases and key maritime routes.
As a result, Grynkewich’s warning underscores a difficult strategic reality: every destroyer deployed to defend Israel is one less vessel available to respond to other potential global crises.
According to Pentagon assessments cited by The Washington Post, the United States has used more than 200 THAAD interceptor missiles during the conflict with Iran—roughly half of its total stockpile. In addition, U.S. Navy warships have launched more than 100 interceptor missiles.
Israel has also relied on its own Arrow and David’s Sling air defense systems. However, during the most intense phases of Iranian missile attacks, it depended heavily on U.S. military support.
The report emphasizes that the issue is not only the number of missiles used but also the time and cost involved in replacing them. Advanced interceptor missiles are extremely expensive, and rebuilding stockpiles can take years.
Recent assessments have warned that a prolonged conflict could place severe strain on the United States’ reserves of critical air defense weapons.
Source: The Washington Post