A day earlier US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made a phone call to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to affirm US support for Israel’s security amid rising tension with Iran and its proxies, which could likely escalate the regional conflict.

The two sides discussed US moves to strengthen the protection of US forces, support Israel's right to self-defense against threats from Iran, and de-escalate tensions in the region.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced at a cabinet meeting on the same day that Israel is already in a “multi-front war” with Iran and its proxies.