As tensions mount, US says support for Israel's defence is ironclad

UN, Lebanon call for de-escalation after tit-for-tat attacks by Hezbollah and Israel

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The US has said its commitment to Israel's defence is ironclad and that it is "postured" to support its ally after the Israeli military said on Aug 25 that it had launched strikes in Lebanon to prevent a major attack by Hezbollah.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has spoken with Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant about Israel's defence against attacks by the Iranbacked Lebanese militant group, Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder said.

"Secretary Austin reaffirmed the United States' ironclad commitment to Israel's defence against any attacks by Iran and its regional partners and proxies," Major-General Ryder said in a statement.

A Pentagon spokesperson added in a separate statement that the US has been very clear that it "is postured to support the defence of Israel".

Mr Gallant announced a 48-hour nationwide state of emergency in Israel from 6am (llam, Singapore time) on Aug 25 after the military launched what it called pre-emptive strikes in Lebanon.