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Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s warning comes as the port off the coast of Gaza is expected to be ready sometime in early May.
Speaking at a House Armed Services Committee hearing, Austin told lawmakers that it was “possible” U.S. servicemembers could be shot while operating the pier off the coast of Gaza.
“Typically, all of the deployed service members carry guns and they have the ability to protect themselves if challenged,” Austin said.
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) questioned if that meant U.S. troops would shoot back, and Austin replied in the affirmative.
“They have the right to return fire to protect themselves,” Austin added.
President Biden first announced a pier off the coast of Gaza during his State of the Union address in early March.
The $320 million pier will help get critical humanitarian aid into Gaza once it comes online, which it is expected to within a matter of days.