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us secretary of defense austin (right) and israeli defense minister galant (left)

axios news reported that two israeli officials familiar with the situation told axios that due to the escalation of the conflict on the lebanon-israel border, us secretary of defense austin postponed his visit to israel originally scheduled for the 22nd.

u.s. officials said the united states has been sending messages publicly and privately to israel and lebanon's hezbollah in recent days, stressing the need to stop escalating the situation.

at the end of his meeting with the french foreign minister in paris on the 19th, u.s. secretary of state antony blinken said that the united states "calls on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid escalation of the situation on the border between israel and lebanon."

israeli officials said austin was scheduled to arrive in israel on the 22nd to meet with israeli prime minister netanyahu and defense minister galant, and visit several other countries in the region.

israeli officials said austin spoke with galant on the phone on the 18th to discuss the situation in lebanon and gaza and informed him of his decision to postpone the trip.

a pentagon spokesman said austin told galant that priority should be given to reaching an agreement to release hamas hostages and achieve a ceasefire in gaza, as well as resolving border issues with lebanon through diplomatic means to allow civilians to return home.

the pentagon said austin stressed to galant that the united states supports israel in the face of threats from iran and hezbollah and is committed to continuing to deter them.

a person familiar with the matter said austin's delay was due to tensions in the region and scheduling issues for some of the region's leaders.

on the 19th, u.s. department of defense spokesman reid said: "(regarding the u.s. secretary of defense) there are currently no travel plans to announce."