US General Warns of Limited Naval Resources Threatening Israel's Missile Defense

General Alexus Grinkevich, commander of the US European Command, issued a rare and confidential warning to the Pentagon this week, stating that a severe shortage of US Navy destroyers may force him to prioritize homeland defense over protecting Israel from Iranian ballistic missile attacks. The warning, reported by The Washington Post, highlights the increasing operational strain and depletion of interceptor missiles amid ongoing tensions and conflict with Iran.

According to US defense sources, Grinkevich emphasized that without an additional destroyer, he would have to choose between defending the United States and continuing missile defense support for Israel. The Pentagon declined to comment, and neither the European Command nor the Israeli Embassy in Washington responded to requests for statements.

This alert comes amid escalating hostilities following the collapse of US-Iran peace talks and renewed Iranian attacks. The US Navy, heavily engaged in enforcing a maritime blockade on Iranian ports due to the Strait of Hormuz closure, faces significant maintenance challenges that reduce the availability of its destroyers. Currently, five destroyers are stationed at the naval base in Rota, Spain, but only two were operational in the Mediterranean last Friday, with the others docked for upkeep.

Meanwhile, a substantial US naval force, including two aircraft carriers and at least 15 warships (11 destroyers), operates in the Arabian Sea to maintain the blockade and secure shipping lanes. The European Command must also maintain readiness against Russia, complicating force allocation. US destroyers in the eastern Mediterranean contribute to Israel's defense by providing radar and missile interception capabilities against Iranian threats.

This development underscores the growing logistical and strategic challenges the US faces in balancing its commitments to homeland defense and allied protection in a volatile region.