Israel has expressed its “dismay” at the American decision to withdraw the aircraft carrier “Gerald Ford” from the Middle East, bound for its main port in the US state of Virginia.
Recent press reports have confirmed that the “Gerald Ford” and other warships will leave the Middle East within a few days, which means that one American aircraft carrier will remain in the region, the “Dwight Eisenhower”.
The United States sent two aircraft carriers, one to the Mediterranean and the other to the Gulf, after Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7 last year.
A report from Israel’s Channel 12 said Israeli officials expressed their “discomfort” over the American decision to return the aircraft carrier to the United States.
In recent days, Israeli officials have made requests for clarification to their counterparts in the United States regarding the decision.
“In addition to trying to understand this move, Israeli officials also tried to stop it,” according to Channel 12.
Against the backdrop of tensions with Lebanon and the possibility of launching a broader campaign, officials believe that “this step comes at an inappropriate time for Israel.”
The Israeli newspaper “Haaretz” published an analytical article confirming that “the reduction of the American naval presence in the region does not bode well for Israel”.
The White House sought to send a reassuring signal to Israel on Wednesday evening, as President Joe Biden spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and assured him that his country would continue to maintain a “significant presence” in the region.
