While the type of special operations forces that were alerted has not been officially confirmed, the US Army's Delta Force and the Navy's SEAL Team Six (Naval Special Warfare Development Group) typically carry out hostage rescue missions as the primary counterterrorism units.
It is believed that Hamas took over 100 hostages in their surprise attack on Israel last Saturday.
At the moment, there is no indication that US forces will aid in any operations on the ground in Israel.
Nevertheless, given the United States’ history of military engagement in the Middle East, this development is cause for great concern.