EUCOM chief warns U.S. lacks naval assets to sustain defense of Israel  

WASHINGTON — The commander of U.S. European Command (EUCOM), General Alexus Grynkewich, has privately warned the Pentagon that American forces do not have sufficient naval assets to continue defending Israel against Iranian ballistic missile attacks, according to The Washington Post.

In the private communication, Grynkewich said he may soon be forced to prioritize the defense of the U.S. homeland unless the Navy assigns at least one additional guided-missile destroyer to the mission.

The warning highlights the growing strain the conflict with Iran has placed on U.S. military resources, with near-daily operations stretching the Navy's destroyer fleet, the newspaper reported.

Previous reports by The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and Reuters have also cited mounting concerns among U.S. officials over dwindling stocks of Patriot interceptor missiles and other air defense systems used to protect American forces and allies.

The Pentagon declined to comment on the reported correspondence. However, officials quoted by The Washington Post said the warning reflects the military's standard process of informing senior leaders when operational risks begin to exceed available resources.

The reported concerns come as the United States continues to support Israel's missile defense while maintaining military commitments in multiple regions, raising questions about the sustainability of its current force posture.

GAROWE ONLINE