An Israeli fighter-jet flies over southern Lebanon, as seen form northern Israel, 11 August 2024. The Israeli army reported that the IDF struck several Hezbollah military structures in southern Lebanon throughout the day. EPA-EFE/ATEF SAFADI In a statement on Monday, Gallant's ministry confirmed the call took place overnight. It said Gallant and Austin discussed operational and strategic coordination and the Israeli military's readiness in the face of Iranian threats.
Austin has meanwhile ordered the deployment of a guided missile submarine to the Middle East. The U.S. military had already said it would deploy additional fighter jets and Navy warships to the region to bolster Israeli defences.
On Friday, an Iranian Revolutionary Guards deputy commander was quoted as saying by local news agencies that Iran was set to carry out an order by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to "harshly punish" Israel over the assassination on July 31 of the leader of Palestinian militant group Hamas in Tehran.
(Reporting by Eric Beech; editing by Caitlin Webber and Mark Heinrich)
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