Report: Pentagon’s Middle east buildup totals $1.6B

The U.S. military buildup in the Middle East since Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7 has cost $1.6 billion, but the Defense Department is unable to pay the bill because lawmakers haven’t passed a full-year spending bill, Politico reported.

The total includes $29.2 million in military personnel costs; $708.6 million in operations and maintenance; $528.4 million in procurement; $51.9 million in research, development, test and evaluation; and $248.5 million for transportation, pulled from the Department of Transportation’s working capital fund, from October through January, according to the report.

The U.S. on Tuesday said it was committed to “work very closely with allies and partners globally to address tensions in the Middle East.”

“Since Hamas’ attack against Israel, of course, we’ve been very focused on deterrence and on preventing a wider regional conflict, and we’ll stay focused on that,” Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said during a press conference.

But, Ryder added, “we are not at war in the Middle East.

“Clearly, there are significant tensions in the Middle East,” he said. “And again, we’re working closely with allies and partners to de-escalate and reduce those tensions where we can, recognizing the fact that others have a vote as well.”

A U.S. official told Politico the spending bill should include money for unplanned operations.

“It will be, I think, a hole that we would want to be filled,” the person said. “It is a bill that will be due, and we will have to pay for it within a limited amount of resources.”