Rhino: The Pentagon said in a statement that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told his Israeli counterpart Yoav Galant in a phone call on Wednesday that Washington is concerned about reports of strikes on the Lebanese Armed Forces, adding that he urged Israel to take steps to ensure the safety of the Lebanese army and the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon.
Austin also told his Israeli counterpart that Washington welcomed the transfer of humanitarian aid through the Erez crossing into the northern Gaza Strip, the statement said, adding that he urged Israel to take steps to address the deteriorating situation there.
The UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon says its troops have also come under Israeli attack several times. Israel has disputed the accounts of these incidents.
Washington sent a letter to Israeli officials last week demanding that they take concrete measures to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza or face possible restrictions on U.S. military aid.