The Commander of US forces in Europe has warned the White House that he lacks the ships to continue to defend Israel from Iranian missile attacks. 

According to sources speaking with The Washington Post, the head of European Command (EUROCOM), Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, sent a letter to the White House stating that without an additional destroyer, he would have to choose between the defense of Israel and the American “homeland.”

President Donald Trump has relied heavily on the Navy to wage multiple wars, including operations against alleged drug cartels, Ansar Allah in Yemen,  Venezuela, the 12-Day War, and the ongoing conflict with Iran. 

The Navy has placed ships in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea to help Israel shoot down missiles from Iran. Iran attacked Israel with missiles and drones in response to US and Israeli aggression. 

Part of the ongoing war includes a blockade of Iranian ports. The US has two aircraft carrier strike groups and two Marine Expeditionary Units near the Gulf of Oman to enforce the embargo. 

In addition to straining the surface fleet, the war against Iran has depleted the American stockpile of interceptors. The US has used over 60% of its Patriot missiles and a significant number of THAAD, SM-6, and SM-3 missiles. 

While Tel Aviv pushed the war in the Middle East, the American military handled the bulk of Israel’s air defenses. 

In addition to defending Israel, EUROCOM is responsible for the defense of America’s European allies.