The troops are slated to fulfill a range of support functions, which encompass providing supplementary medical assistance and expertise in handling explosive ordnances. The support might also encompass bolstering security at gate crossings, the reports said.

Officials said these troops will not be dispatched to Israel itself but could potentially be deployed to neighboring countries in the region. On Sunday, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said they have not ruled out the possibility of sending troops into Gaza in an attempt to rescue hostages.