Massenschreiber
Beiträge: 173
Registriert: So 27. Dez 2020, 12:02
Fr 21. Mai 2021, 06:11
Top US general monitoring Israel-Hamas conflict in case
Top US general monitoring Israel-Hamas conflict in case it spreads to Lebanon
Gen. Frank McKenzie also offered updates on the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan
ABOARD A U.S. MILITARY AIRCRAFT -- Gen. Frank McKenzie, the top U.S. general in the Middle East, said he is closely monitoring the conflict between Israel and Hamas in case it widens into Lebanon.
McKenzie, who is overseeing the withdrawal of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, also said that he would present a plan in early June to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin for how the U.S. would carry out its "over-the-horizon" operations after all 2,500 American troops have left.
The U.S. Central Command commander talked with a small group of reporters traveling with him to the Middle East Wednesday about how CENTCOM will soon incorporate Israel into its area of responsibility, assuming the primary U.S. military relationship that for decades has been undertaken by U.S. European Command.
McKenzie said the current conflict between Israel and Hamas has not affected the planned transition in any way, but he said CENTCOM is "closely monitoring" the conflict in case it should widen further.
"I think a conflict on that scale isn't good for any kind of stability anywhere," said McKenzie. "There is a danger any time that a conflict like this drags on -- of it widening -- that would be dangerous."
"We certainly don't want that to happen, I'm sure that Israel doesn't want that to happen," he added.
McKenzie said the main concern is that the conflict could widen into neighboring Lebanon, which is home to some Palestinian extremist groups and Hezbollah.
"That is very concerning," said McKenzie. "Although it looks like there haven't been any significant attacks from Lebanon, that could change."
"I hope that the status quo remains and that does not occur," said McKenzie. "But I think that would be the principal area where it could widen, I hope it doesn't happen."
Read More : pg slot
Gen. Frank McKenzie also offered updates on the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan
ABOARD A U.S. MILITARY AIRCRAFT -- Gen. Frank McKenzie, the top U.S. general in the Middle East, said he is closely monitoring the conflict between Israel and Hamas in case it widens into Lebanon.
McKenzie, who is overseeing the withdrawal of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, also said that he would present a plan in early June to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin for how the U.S. would carry out its "over-the-horizon" operations after all 2,500 American troops have left.
The U.S. Central Command commander talked with a small group of reporters traveling with him to the Middle East Wednesday about how CENTCOM will soon incorporate Israel into its area of responsibility, assuming the primary U.S. military relationship that for decades has been undertaken by U.S. European Command.
McKenzie said the current conflict between Israel and Hamas has not affected the planned transition in any way, but he said CENTCOM is "closely monitoring" the conflict in case it should widen further.
"I think a conflict on that scale isn't good for any kind of stability anywhere," said McKenzie. "There is a danger any time that a conflict like this drags on -- of it widening -- that would be dangerous."
"We certainly don't want that to happen, I'm sure that Israel doesn't want that to happen," he added.
McKenzie said the main concern is that the conflict could widen into neighboring Lebanon, which is home to some Palestinian extremist groups and Hezbollah.
"That is very concerning," said McKenzie. "Although it looks like there haven't been any significant attacks from Lebanon, that could change."
"I hope that the status quo remains and that does not occur," said McKenzie. "But I think that would be the principal area where it could widen, I hope it doesn't happen."
Read More : pg slot