US general warns military lacks forces to defend Israel from Iran

On August 1, 2026, a U.S. general warned the Pentagon that the U.S. military lacks sufficient naval forces to defend Israel against potential Iranian missile attacks. This warning comes as Israel raises its defense alert level amid reports that the U.S. is preparing a major strike on Iran. U.S. embassies in Israel and other Middle Eastern countries have urged citizens to leave or be ready to leave due to rising tensions. Israeli officials assess that Iran will likely fire missiles at Israel even if it does not initially join a threatened U.S. offensive.