U.S. European Command Chief Warns of Naval Shortfall in Israel Defense

General Alexus Grynkewich, commander of U.S. European Command (EUCOM), privately warned senior Pentagon officials that the United States lacks enough naval assets to sustain its missile-defense role for Israel against Iranian ballistic missiles. He indicated that without the addition of at least one more guided-missile destroyer, the command could be forced to prioritize the defense of the U.S. homeland over Israel.

EUCOM chief warns U.S. lacks naval assets to sustain defense of Israel The IndependentGen. Alexus Grynkewich Warns Pentagon U.S. Naval Forces Can’t Defend Israel From Iran: how 28 outlets split

As of Friday, July 31, two destroyers—USS Paul Ignatius and USS Roosevelt—were operating in the eastern Mediterranean, while three—USS Arleigh Burke, USS Bulkeley, and USS Oscar Austin—were stationed in Rota, Spain. The U.S. maintains five destroyers based in Spain that can be sent to the Mediterranean, and a sixth vessel is expected to join later in the year, according to reporting from the Washington Post and the Independent.

Gen. Alexus Grynkewich Warns Pentagon U.S. Naval Forces Can’t Defend Israel From Iran: how 28 outlets split

The ongoing five-month conflict following the collapse of a U.S.–Iran ceasefire has stretched the Navy’s destroyer fleet and depleted advanced missile-defense interceptors. Prior coverage by the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and Reuters noted concerns about dwindling stocks of Patriot missiles and other air-defense systems used to protect U.S. forces and allies. The Independent added that the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports and heightened presence near the Strait of Hormuz have further taxed naval capacity.

The IndependentGen. Alexus Grynkewich Warns Pentagon U.S. Naval Forces Can’t Defend Israel From Iran: how 28 outlets split EUCOM chief warns U.S. lacks naval assets to sustain defense of Israel

The Pentagon declined to comment on Grynkewich’s private communication. Officials quoted by the Washington Post described the warning as part of the standard process by which commanders alert senior leaders when operational risks exceed available resources. A U.S. defense official told Newscord that similar appeals are common when senior commanders compete for limited assets.

EUCOM chief warns U.S. lacks naval assets to sustain defense of Israel

If the Navy cannot augment its destroyer presence, the EUCOM commander suggests a strategic choice may emerge between defending the continental United States and continuing to shield Israel from missile attacks. The warning underscores broader questions about the sustainability of the United States’ current force posture amid simultaneous commitments in Europe, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific.

EUCOM chief warns U.S. lacks naval assets to sustain defense of Israel