US Commander Warns Pentagon on Sustaining Israel Missile Defense Without More Assets

The top US military commander overseeing operations in Europe has reportedly warned the Pentagon that American forces may soon be unable to sustain missile-defence operations for Israel without additional naval assets, The Washington Post reported. According to The Washington Post, Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, commander of the US European Command (EUCOM), wrote to senior Pentagon officials this week that he could be forced to prioritise defending the US homeland over Israel if another US Navy destroyer is not placed under his command. Grynkewich's warning came amid rising pressure on US military resources after months of operations linked to the conflict involving Iran. EUCOM oversees US military operations in Europe and the Mediterranean, where American destroyers have helped intercept ballistic missiles fired at Israel from Iran as well as attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.

Military assets under pressure

According to the report, the US currently has five destroyers based in Rota, Spain, available for deployment to the eastern Mediterranean, with a sixth expected to join the fleet later this year. As of Friday, two destroyers were operating in the Mediterranean while three remained at the Spanish naval base. The prolonged deployment has reportedly increased wear on the vessels while also consuming advanced interceptor missiles, raising concerns within the Pentagon about the sustainability of current operations.

Iran conflict adds to strain

Following the collapse of the US-Iran ceasefire in early July, the US has maintained a significant naval presence closer to Iran. Multiple warships, including aircraft carriers and at least 11 destroyers, have been deployed to support operations in the region and safeguard shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The newspaper noted that EUCOM's responsibilities also include protecting NATO allies against potential Russian threats, including long-range missile risks, adding to the pressure on available military resources.

Stockpile concerns grow

The reported warning comes amid broader concerns over US interceptor missile stockpiles. Earlier reports have indicated that months of defending Israel against missile attacks have significantly reduced American inventories of advanced missile-defence interceptors, prompting worries about sustaining future operations.