Pentagon Says Gaza Pier Was Not Used in Israel’s Hostage Rescue Operation

The Pentagon acknowledged that ‘some type of helicopter activity’ took place near the pier.

U.S. Army soldiers assigned to the 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary), U.S. Navy sailors assigned to Amphibious Construction Battalion 1, and Israel Defense Forces placing the Trident Pier on the coast of Gaza Strip on May 16, 2024. U.S. Central Command via AP

The Pentagon said on Monday that social media allegations suggesting that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had used the U.S.-built pier off Gaza during its hostage rescue operation were “inaccurate.”

Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters that the pier facility, along with its equipment, personnel, and assets, was not involved in the IDF’s operation to rescue hostages in Gaza.