WASHINGTON — US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin expressed concern over Israel’s recent attacks on UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) positions during a telephone call on Saturday with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

The attacks, which took place in southern Lebanon, injured at least five UN peacekeepers and two Lebanese soldiers.

Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder said in a statement that Austin "expressed his deep concern about reports that Israeli forces fired on UN peacekeeping positions in Lebanon, as well as by the reported death of two Lebanese soldiers."

Austin emphasized the need to protect the safety of UNIFIL forces and the Lebanese Armed Forces.

He urged Gallant to shift from military operations in Lebanon to a diplomatic approach as soon as possible.

In addition to discussing the situation in Lebanon, Austin raised the pressing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stressing that steps must be taken to address the needs of those affected.

Despite Israel’s ongoing military operations, Austin reaffirmed the US’s "unwavering, enduring, and ironclad commitment to Israel's security."

He also acknowledged the importance of bringing back all hostages as soon as possible.

Israel has escalated airstrikes across Lebanon, targeting what it claims to be Hezbollah positions since Sept. 23, resulting in over 1,411 casualties, 3,970 injuries, and the displacement of more than 1.34 million people. These strikes come amid an ongoing year-long conflict with Hezbollah that has intensified since Israel's offensive on Gaza, which has claimed nearly 42,200 lives, mostly women and children, since a Hamas attack last year.

Despite growing international warnings about the potential for a regional war, Israel expanded its conflict by launching an incursion into southern Lebanon on Oct. 1. — Agencies