In a recent interview on NBC's Meet the Press, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed that the United States is ready to retaliate if American troops come under attack in the course of the Israel-Hamas war. As the conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate, Blinken warned of the potential involvement of Iranian proxies and affirmed that the Biden administration is prepared to respond to any hostilities targeting American personnel.

"We are taking steps to make sure that we can effectively defend our people and respond decisively if we need to," Blinken stated, revealing that additional military assets, including two aircraft carrier battle groups, have been deployed to the region.

During his discussions with Israeli officials, Blinken conveyed their desire not to govern the Gaza Strip following the conclusion of the war with Hamas. However, he underscored the importance of finding a solution that prevents future terrorist attacks from Hamas while avoiding a return to Israeli governance of Gaza.

"You [Israel] cannot be in a position where you are constantly exposed to the threat of the most terrible terrorist attacks from the Gaza Strip," Blinken emphasized. "So something needs to be found that ensures that Hamas can't do this again, but that also doesn't revert to Israeli governance of Gaza, which they do not want and do not intend to do."

The Israeli Air Force has been carrying out airstrikes on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip since the series of bloody attacks by Hamas on October 7. Over the weekend, the frequency of Israeli attacks increased, possibly in preparation for an upcoming ground offensive on Gaza. The exact plan for the period after the expected ground offensive has not been disclosed.

In related news, President Joe Biden had a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday to discuss the ongoing situation in Israel and Gaza. Additionally, President Biden also engaged in a conversation with Pope Francis to address the escalating conflict.

It remains to be seen how the Israel-Hamas war will develop in the coming days, with the United States closely monitoring the situation and standing ready to take action if its forces are targeted.