U.S. European Command Chief Reportedly Warns of Limited Resources to Defend Israel and the Homeland

The commander of the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) has reportedly warned Pentagon officials that current naval resources may not be sufficient to meet all of the military's defense commitments simultaneously, according to a report by The Washington Post citing unnamed U.S. officials.

According to the report, Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, who also serves as Supreme Allied Commander Europe, sent a written message to the Pentagon stating that unless EUCOM receives an additional U.S. Navy destroyer, he may be forced to prioritize defending the U.S. homeland over maintaining current levels of defensive support for Israel.

EUCOM oversees U.S. military operations across Europe and the Mediterranean region. Its naval forces have played an important role in helping intercept missiles and drones launched toward Israel by Iran and by the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen.

The report noted that, as of Friday, two of the five U.S. Navy destroyers assigned to the Rota, Spain-based fleet were operating in the Mediterranean, supporting regional security missions.

At the same time, EUCOM remains responsible for monitoring and responding to potential security threats posed by Russia, including protecting NATO's eastern flank and maintaining readiness against long-range missile capabilities that could threaten both European allies and the United States.

According to the report, Gen. Grynkewich's warning reflects the challenge of balancing military resources across multiple strategic priorities at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions.

The Pentagon declined to comment on the reported communication, while U.S. European Command did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for the Israeli Embassy in Washington also could not immediately be reached, according to The Washington Post.

The reported concerns come as the United States continues to support regional security operations while maintaining commitments to NATO allies and broader global defense responsibilities.