The US has deployed additional troops to the Middle East amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. Pentagon spokesperson Major General Patrick Ryder described the deployment as a precautionary measure to reinforce US forces already stationed in the region. The decision coincides with heightened conflict along Israel’s northern border, where Hezbollah has increased rocket attacks in support of Hamas, following nearly a year of war in Gaza. Israeli strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon have killed nearly 600 people. While US President Joe Biden’s administration advocates for diplomacy, the US continues to provide military aid to Israel. Biden emphasized ongoing efforts to de-escalate the situation following discussions with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. A senior US State Department official also reiterated the US does not support the current escalation, stressing the need to prevent further conflict. Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned regional actors against exploiting the conflict. World powers have called for restraint to avoid a broader war, while the US continues reinforcing its military presence, deploying an aircraft carrier strike group and advanced air defense systems.