Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that the United States is prepared to respond if American personnel or armed forces become targets in the escalating Israel-Hamas conflict. While emphasizing the desire to avoid escalation, Blinken and Austin acknowledged the possibility of increased attacks on U.S. troops by proxies of Iran. The U.S. has deployed additional military assets to the region to deter potential threats. The warning comes as the conflict enters its third week, with Israel’s military response following a deadly attack by Hamas on southern Israeli communities.