US has four goals in Middle East – Pentagon

The US Department of Defense has four areas of focus in the Middle East.

Source: Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder; Pentagon

Details: The goals of the US are the following:
Protection of US forces and citizens in the region.
Flow of critical security assistance to Israel as it defends against further Hamas attacks.
Coordination with the Israelis to help secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, to include American citizens.
Strengthening of force posture across the region to deter any state or nonstate actors from escalating the crisis beyond Gaza.