US General Warns Pentagon of Limited Naval Resources for Israel’s Defense: Report

Washington:** A senior U.S. military commander in Europe has warned the Pentagon that American naval resources are under increasing strain, cautioning that without an additional warship, he may have to prioritize the defense of the United States over the protection of Israel, according to a report by *The Washington Post*.

The report claims that General **Alexus Grynkewich**, the top U.S. military commander in Europe, informed Pentagon officials this week that the Navy does not have enough destroyers available to effectively defend Israel against ballistic missile attacks. U.S. officials reportedly said the situation highlights the growing pressure on American military resources caused by the ongoing conflict with Iran.

According to the report, General Grynkewich submitted a written warning to senior Pentagon officials, stating that unless another Navy destroyer is assigned to his command, he would be compelled to give priority to defending U.S. interests rather than maintaining Israel’s missile defense.

A U.S. defense official said the general’s message is consistent with previous instances in which senior military commanders alerted the Pentagon about potential operational risks, allowing policymakers in Washington to assess the situation and make strategic decisions.

The official added that such warnings are common when military commanders compete for limited defense assets and weapons systems needed to meet competing operational demands.

The report noted that the warning comes after five months of tensions with Iran, during which sustained military operations have placed increasing pressure on America’s stockpiles of key defense systems. It also stated that President Donald Trump’s administration has ordered a blockade of Iranian ports, further increasing operational demands on U.S. forces.

U.S. Navy destroyers deployed in the eastern Mediterranean have played a key role in Israel’s defense for years. Equipped with advanced radar systems and missile interceptors, these warships have reportedly been used to intercept missiles launched toward Israel by both Iran and the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen.

According to the report, the U.S. European Command is responsible for coordinating military operations in the Mediterranean while also maintaining readiness against any potential Russian activity within NATO’s area of responsibility.

The Pentagon said that five U.S. Navy destroyers are currently deployed from the American naval base in **Rota, Spain**, with a sixth destroyer expected to arrive later this year. However, officials acknowledged that the continued operational tempo linked to the conflict with Iran has increased maintenance and repair requirements, making General Grynkewich’s operational challenges even more difficult.