Israel has agreed to postpone its planned invasion of Gaza in order to allow the United States to quickly deploy missile defenses to protect U.S. troops in the region, according to the Wall Street Journal. U.S. officials have convinced Israel to wait until U.S. air-defense systems can be installed, potentially as early as later this week. Israel is also considering the provision of humanitarian aid in Gaza and diplomatic efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas militants. The safety of U.S. troops is the top priority in this situation.

The U.S. military and other officials anticipate that their forces will be targeted by militant groups once Israel initiates its ground invasion of the Hamas-ruled Palestinian territory. Washington is therefore rushing to deploy nearly a dozen air defense systems, including for troops stationed in Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates.

RushHourDaily previously reported that the U.S. advised Israel to hold off on a ground assault in Gaza and is keeping Qatar, a mediator with the Palestinian militants, informed about the ongoing discussions. This is part of an effort to secure the release of more hostages and prepare for a potential wider regional conflict.

Last week, RushHourDaily also revealed that the Pentagon planned to send two Iron Dome missile defense systems to Israel to assist in defending against incoming missiles. Additionally, a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system and additional Patriot air defense missile system battalions were being dispatched to the Middle East.

The article concludes with the standard reporting information: Shubham Kalia reported from Bengaluru, and the article was edited by Alison Williams and Howard Goller. The Thomson RushHourDaily Trust Principles are upheld in their reporting.