U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed on Thursday that the United States will continue to provide military support to Israel, noting that Washington's commitment to helping it protect itself has not changed.

Austin clarified that the idea of "red lines" is pointless, but he warned that a comprehensive conflict between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah would be devastating.

Israel earlier rejected global calls for a mutual ceasefire with Iran-backed Hezbollah, challenging the United States, its biggest ally, by continuing strikes that have resulted in hundreds of deaths in Lebanon and increased fears of a regional war.

After a meeting with his British and Australian counterparts in London, Austin said: "We have been committed from the beginning to helping Israel and providing the necessary support to protect its sovereignty, and this commitment will not change." Despite warnings of the risk of a comprehensive war, Austin indicated that a diplomatic solution is still possible.

Austin mentioned: "We are now facing the danger of a comprehensive war. Another war could be devastating for both countries." He explained that the diplomatic option is the quickest way to get the residents of the north back to their homes.

For its part, Israel has pledged to secure the northern areas and return thousands of residents who were forced to leave their homes due to the pressures exerted by Hezbollah, which has carried out cross-border strikes in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza.

Israel also announced on Thursday that it received a package of U.S. aid valued at $8.7 billion to support its military efforts and maintain its military superiority in the region.

The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported that the Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon resulted in the deaths of 60 people and injured 81 others, with the Israeli army carrying out 115 airstrikes on various areas of Lebanon.