Jordan Urges US Deployment of Patriot Defense System Amid Hamas-Israel Conflict Concerns
2 min readTitle: Jordan Requests US Patriot Missile Defense System Amid Escalating Conflict
Amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, Jordan has approached the United States, requesting the deployment of its Patriot missile defense system to bolster the kingdom’s border defenses. The move comes as Jordan’s army spokesperson expressed concerns over the threat posed by drones and the need to enhance their defense system.
Addressing social media rumors, the spokesperson denied allegations that US military bases in Jordan are being used to transport military equipment and weapons to Israel. In a bid to safeguard its forces, the Pentagon has been reinforcing air defenses in the region, while Israel has reportedly agreed to postpone certain aspects of its ground operation until the missile defense systems are in place.
The recent conflict between Israel and Hamas was sparked by a massacre perpetrated by Hamas terrorists who crossed the border into Israel and targeted civilians. The severity of the situation has prompted the US Navy to position the Ford carrier strike group off the shores of Israel. Additionally, the Eisenhower strike group may potentially be deployed to defend both US forces and Israel from the Red Sea or the Gulf of Oman.
In response to escalating tensions, the Pentagon announced the deployment of multiple Patriot missile defense system battalions and a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system to the Middle East. This move aims to bolster regional security and protect against potential land-attack missile threats, such as the four intercepted by the USS Carney from Yemen earlier this month.
Domestically, Jordan has witnessed widespread protests in cities like Amman, with thousands of people calling for the annulment of the peace treaty with Israel. Some protesters have criticized US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, dubbing them “accomplices in crime.”
As the conflict rages on, Hamas claims that over 8,000 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip. However, these figures cannot be independently verified, and the exact number of terrorist operatives killed remains unknown.
Jordan’s request for the deployment of the US Patriot missile defense system underscores the intensified efforts to fortify regional defenses amidst the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas. The involvement of globally significant military units further highlights the gravity of the situation, with multiple protests reflecting growing dissent and criticism of key international leaders involved. The conflict’s toll on civilian lives remains a highly contentious issue, with conflicting claims regarding the number of casualties reported.
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