US commander warns Pentagon of naval shortage for Israel

A senior U.S. military commander has privately warned the Pentagon that without additional naval resources, he may soon be unable to sustain the current level of missile defense support for Israel, forcing a potential choice between protecting the American homeland and defending a key ally. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, head of U.S. European Command, delivered the warning in written correspondence to senior defense officials earlier this week, according to officials familiar with the matter.

The warning highlights the strain placed on U.S. military assets by a protracted conflict with Iran, now in its sixth month. Gen. Grynkewich stated that without another Navy destroyer assigned to his command, he will eventually have to prioritize defense of the United States over continuing to intercept ballistic missile attacks aimed at Israel. A defense official described such communications as consistent with past outreach from top generals when they identify risks requiring Washington's attention, often occurring as commanders compete for finite resources.

For years, U.S. Navy destroyers stationed in the eastern Mediterranean have formed a critical component of Israel's layered air defense,...