WASHINGTON – The Pentagon announced on Monday that the U.S. is deploying a “few thousand” additional troops to the Middle East to enhance security and stand ready to defend Israel if needed.

The increased troop presence will include multiple fighter jet squadrons, according to Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh. This decision comes on the heels of recent hostilities in Lebanon and the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, marking a significant escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

The additional troops will include squadrons of F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16, A-10, and F-22 fighter jets, along with the necessary support personnel. Rather than rotating in to replace existing squadrons, both the current and new squadrons will remain in place, effectively doubling the airpower in the region.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also announced the temporary extension of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group and its associated squadrons in the area on Sunday.

According to Singh, the deployed jets are not intended for an evacuation mission but rather for the protection of U.S. forces in the region.