2022 Video Shows American Soldiers Arriving in Romania, Not Israel
The Claim
A video shows American soldiers arriving in Israel.
Emerging story
Against the backdrop of the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, social media users widely circulated a video clip purporting to feature planes carrying thousands of American soldiers arriving in Israel.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the footage and found the claim to be misleading.
After conducting a thorough reverse image search, Misbar’s team found the video making the rounds to be outdated and unrelated to the recent war on Gaza.
2022 Video Shows American Soldiers Arriving in Romania
Contrary to social media users’ claim, the footage features the arrival of American soldiers in Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania in June 2022.
A YouTube channel uploaded the video at the time, under the title, “101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Soldiers arrive in Mihail Kogainiceani, Romania, June 28, 2022.”
The U.S. Department of Defense uploaded a photo on June 28, 2022, showing the arrival of the 101st Airborne Division in Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania.
The website provided clarification that forces from the 101st will assist the Army's V Corps in its mission to bolster NATO's eastern defenses and participate in joint exercises with European partners. This is aimed at reassuring allies and discouraging any additional actions of Russian aggression.
900 U.S. Troops Heading to the Middle East
In response to the increased tensions in the Middle East, approximately 900 U.S. troops are being deployed to the region. These deployments include the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery from Fort Bliss, Texas, Patriot batteries from Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and Patriot and Avenger batteries from Fort Liberty, North Carolina, along with associated air defense headquarters elements from Fort Bliss and Fort Cavazos, Texas. Notably, these units will not be sent to Israel; their primary purpose is to support regional deterrence efforts and enhance U.S. force protection capabilities.
The United States aims to convey a strong message to potential adversaries and prevent the conflict from escalating further in the region, particularly as the Israel-Gaza conflict continues.
The U.S. Military Aid to Israel
Israel is set to receive a total of $14.3 billion in aid from the U.S. Of this amount, $10.6 billion will be provided through the Defense Department, covering areas like air and missile defense support, investments in the industrial base, and replenishment of U.S. stocks that are being used to support Israel.
The aid package is intended to enhance Israel's readiness in air and missile defense and to support its acquisition of missile defense systems like Iron Dome and David's Sling, as well as the development of Iron Beam.
Moreover, $3.7 billion will be allocated to the State Department to strengthen Israel's military capabilities and improve security at the U.S. Embassy.
Israeli Airstrikes Killed Over 7,300 Gazan Civilians
The Gaza health ministry reports that at least 7,326 Palestinians have lost their lives in Israeli attacks since October 7. Omar Shakir of Human Rights Watch has endorsed the credibility of these figures, countering doubts raised by U.S. President Biden.
Gaza has seen only a limited number of aid convoys allowed in, and the situation for the besieged and bombed Palestinian population is deteriorating, according to Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of the UN's Palestine refugees agency. He describes the situation as a form of strangulation.
Furthermore, there are reports from Al Jazeera sources that negotiations, facilitated by Qatar, regarding a ceasefire and a potential exchange of prisoners between Israel and Hamas, are making progress and are at an advanced stage.
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