JAKARTA - The United States military is increasing the new supply of air defense, ammunition and other security assistance to Israel, to help respond to Hamas attacks on an unprecedented weekend, a senior national defense official said.
"The planes have taken off," said a US official who did not wish to be named to Pentagon reporters.
"We are increasing support for Israel. We continue to establish contact with our Israeli counterparts, to determine and then support their most urgent needs," the official continued.
Uncle Sam's country has not detailed the extent of Israel's security assistance request. However, American defense officials said Washington contacted the defense industry, utilizing domestic military supplies to fill Israel's shortcomings.
The official also dismissed fears Washington would find it difficult to supply Israel at the same time, when they were delivering weapons to Ukraine.
"We can continue our support for Ukraine, Israel and maintain our global readiness," the official continued.
As previously reported, Hamas denounced the United States' plan to deploy its warplanes and warships around Israel in support, as Washington officials expressed its support for Tel Aviv, believing Hamas' attack may be suspected of disrupting efforts to normalize Saudi Israeli-Arab relations.
"Real participation in aggression against our people," Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem condemned the announcement, saying the group would not be intimidated.
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More than 1,000 people were killed after Hamas militants broke through the border fence separating Israel from the blockaded Gaza Strip and began killing and kidnapping Israelis last Saturday.
At least 700 people have died in Israel, according to the military, and more than 570 in Gaza and the West Bank, the Palestinian Ministry of Health said. Meanwhile, hundreds of people have been kidnapped
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