US general tells Pentagon he cannot defend Israel from Iranian missile attack: Report

Published August 1, 2026 3:57pm ET | Updated August 2, 2026 8:24am ET



A top U.S. general reportedly warned his superiors this week that Washington lacks sufficient military power to protect the United States’ allies in the Middle East.

The U.S. has positioned naval destroyers in the eastern Mediterranean Sea to stabilize the Middle East and bolster Israel’s security for years, with the destroyers rising to particular use in recent months, as Iran has carried out attacks on Israel and 14 other countries in the region. However, Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, the head of U.S. European Command, told the Pentagon that he lacks sufficient naval forces to continue protecting Israel from incoming ballistic missiles from Iran and its terrorist proxies in the region, according to a Washington Post report published Friday. 

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.