U.S. Secretary of Defence, Lloyd Austin, on Thursday called on Israel to protect UN peacekeeping troops in southern Lebanon.

Mr Austin, in a phone call with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant, stressed the importance of taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of UNIFIL forces.

“UNIFIL forces (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) and the Lebanese Armed Forces,” according to a post on X by Mr Austin.

Mr Austin also pointed out the need “to pursue a diplomatic pathway to provide security for civilians on both sides of the border as soon as feasible.’’

The UN peacekeepers in Lebanon have come under fire several times in recent days, with at least four soldiers injured.

Israeli tanks also forcibly broke through the main gate of a UN base in southern Lebanon on Sunday.

Israel accused the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia of using areas near UNIFIL bases for its own purposes.

UNIFIL has monitored the border region between Israel and Lebanon since 1978.

Over 10,000 troops from more than 50 countries, including Germany, have been deployed to the mission.

Mr Austin also called on Israel once again to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

“I encouraged the government of Israel to continue taking steps to address the dire humanitarian situation, noting the recent action by Israel to increase the amount of humanitarian assistance entering Gaza,’’ Mr Austin stated.

This call followed the U.S. government’s warning on Tuesday, urging Israel to significantly improve Gaza’s humanitarian conditions within 30 days or risk violating U.S. military aid laws.

This would potentially jeopardise U.S. military aid to Israel. 

(dpa/NAN)