Pentagon to send military advisers and air defense systems to Israel

Assistance comes ahead of Israel's anticipated ground assault into Gaza but advisers will not engage in fighting, says US official

The Pentagon is sending military advisers and sophisticated air defense systems to Israel ahead of an anticipated ground assault into Gaza by Israel's military.

One of the officers leading the assistance is Marine Corps Lt Gen James Glynn, who previously helped lead special operations forces against the Islamic State and served a high-profile role during intense combat in Falluja, one of the bloodiest and most controversial centers of battle for US forces during the war in Iraq.