Washington DC [United States], August 23 (ANI): Amid ongoing exchanges of fire on the Israel-Lebanon border, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III during talks with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant reaffirmed that the United States remains committed to Israel's security.

Sharing a post on his X handle, Austin said, "I called Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant yesterday to discuss continued exchanges of fire on the Israel-Lebanon border and the risk of escalation from Iran, Lebanese Hizballah, and Iran-backed terrorist groups across the Middle East."

Also Read | PM Modi on Russia-Ukraine Conflict: 'India Was Never Neutral, Always Took Side of Peace in Ongoing War', PM Narendra Modi Tells Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (Watch Video).

He further said, "I confirmed the United States commitment to Israel's security and shared that the United States is well postured across the region to defend Israel and protect US personnel and facilities."

The US Defense Secretary also highlighted that discussions included efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and achieve the release of all hostages. "Minister Gallant and I also discussed progress towards securing a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages, and I underscored the importance of finalizing a deal," the post added.

Also Read | India Pushes for Dialogue and Diplomacy To End Russia-Ukraine War: Practical Engagement Between 2 Nations Needed To Develop Solution, Says PM Narendra Modi As He Holds Bilateral Talks With Volodymyr Zelenskyy (See Pics).

On Thursday, the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) identified a Hezbollah terrorist cell that had launched rockets into the area of Zerait in Israel, operating in a building in the area of Chihine in southern Lebanon. Israel fighter jets attacked the building where the terrorist squad was operating.

In additional attacks, Israel Air Force fighter jets attacked a military structure used by the terrorist organization Hezbollah in the Kfarkela area in southern Lebanon, alongside artillery strikes to remove a threat in the areas of Ayta al-Sha'ab and Alma al-Sha'ab.

On Tuesday also, the IDF reported that an Israel Air Force aircraft attacked the area in Reshish in southern Lebanon and killed two terrorists on the southern front of the terrorist organization Hezbollah.

Also, forces from the Mountain Brigade in the IDF's Northern Command attacked with a tank Hezbollah terrorists, who were in an observation post near the Mount Dov area.

In addition, IDF forces attacked Hezbollah military structures in the Chihine and Aalma El Chaeb areas alongside an anti-tank post in the Ayta ash Shab area. (ANI)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)