Pentagon expresses concern over Israel's strikes on Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin noted that Washington welcomed the flow of humanitarian aid through the Erez crossing in northern Gaza and called on Israel to take steps to address the complex situation there.

Furthermore, Austin "expressed his deep concern about the reports of strikes against the Lebanese Armed Forces" and urged Israel "to ensure the safety and security of the Lebanese Armed Forces and UNIFIL forces."

Austin's messages related to an incident that occurred last Sunday when three Lebanese soldiers were killed in an Israeli strike on an army vehicle in southern Lebanon.

In Tel Aviv, officials stated that the military targets militants from Hezbollah apologized for the incident and assured that the IDF did not act against the Lebanese army.

Last week, Washington sent a letter to Israeli officials demanding specific measures to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Failure to comply could lead to potential restrictions on American military aid.

Incidents of shelling by the Israeli army

Simultaneously with the ground operation, Israeli military forces are conducting daily strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, which Iran supports. In response, militants are firing rockets and drones into northern Israel.

Recently, UNIFIL reported that its troops have come under Israeli fire on multiple occasions.

Just days ago, an Israeli bulldozer destroyed a watchtower and perimeter fence at a UN peacekeeping site in the village of Marwahin in southern Lebanon.

Earlier, the IDF shelled southern Lebanon, with one rocket landing near a UNIFIL base, injuring two peacekeepers.

The US demands that Israel ensure the safety of UN peacekeepers in Lebanon.

Washington also called on Israel to scale back its strikes on Beirut.