TEL AVIV — Amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, the Pentagon has mobilized U.S. military assets closer to the region, preparing for potential evacuations of Americans as the conflict escalates. According to three U.S. defense officials and a former U.S. official familiar with the plans, these actions include positioning the USS Wasp, an amphibious assault ship, and Marines from the 24th Expeditionary Unit in the Mediterranean.

The USS Wasp, renowned for its role in Military Assisted Departures (MAD), will operate in the eastern Mediterranean to facilitate evacuation operations and other critical missions aimed at ensuring the safety of American citizens amid heightened hostilities.

This deployment underscores U.S. readiness to respond to mounting tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, especially as cross-border exchanges of fire have intensified recently. U.S. officials express concerns that Israel may escalate actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon, potentially involving airstrikes or a ground offensive.

Despite calls from the Biden administration for restraint, Israeli officials remain determined to confront Hezbollah, seeking to establish a buffer zone along the Lebanese border. Israeli Defense Forces stand ready to use force if diplomatic efforts fail to resolve the situation peacefully.

The presence of the USS Wasp and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit not only enhances U.S. military capabilities but also serves as a deterrent against further escalation. Marines are equipped to assist in civilian evacuations from volatile environments, while the USS Wasp boasts offensive and surveillance capabilities, including the deployment of F-35 stealth fighters.

Alongside military preparations, the U.S. is coordinating with allies to synchronize evacuation plans and potential coalition operations in the region. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant's recent visit to Washington, D.C., highlights ongoing diplomatic efforts to manage the crisis and explore de-escalation options.

While tensions remain high, current and former U.S. officials suggest Iran and Hezbollah prefer to maintain the status quo, keeping Israel under international pressure without full-scale conflict. However, the situation's unpredictability underscores the potential for rapid escalation with serious regional consequences.

The U.S. Embassy in Beirut issued a travel advisory urging Americans to reconsider travel to Lebanon due to volatile security conditions. With approximately 86,000 American citizens in Lebanon, concerns about mass evacuations akin to the 2006 conflict with Hezbollah loom large.

As diplomatic efforts persist, the White House stresses the importance of restoring calm along the Israel-Lebanon border. Adrienne Watson, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, reaffirms U.S. commitment to pursuing a diplomatic resolution that ensures safety for Israeli and Lebanese civilians, emphasizing the urgent need for regional stability.